Quiet Hours and Noise Log for Tenants in Norway
What applies to quiet hours and noise?
As a tenant, you may experience disturbances from neighbours or common areas that affect daily life in a tenancy. In Norway many issues about noise and tenancy are governed by the Tenancy Act (husleieloven)[1], but local house rules and co-owner regulations can also matter. The most important actions are to document the noise, contact the landlord and try dialogue with the neighbour before escalating the case.
In most cases, good documentation helps when you take the case further.
What can you do as a tenant?
Here are practical measures that often help resolve noise problems in a rental:
- Keep a noise log with date, time and a short description of the incident.
- Make audio recordings, take photos and gather other documentation showing scope and repetition.
- Notify the landlord in writing, describe measures you want and set a reasonable deadline.
- Contact the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU) or the conciliation board if you cannot agree[2].
Keep all communication in writing and organize documents chronologically.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are quiet hours in a tenancy?
- Quiet hours are often defined in house rules or local regulations and typically cover evening and night; interpretation depends on the situation and local rules.
- How do I keep a noise log?
- Record date, time, type of noise, duration and any evidence such as audio recordings or photos.
- When can I complain to HTU or go to court?
- If the landlord does not follow up after written notice and the documentation shows ongoing problems, you can complain to HTU or bring the matter to the conciliation board/court for legal resolution[2][3].
Procedure
- Keep a noise log: note date, time, duration and a brief description.
- Collect evidence: audio recordings and photos, and note any witnesses.
- Notify the landlord in writing with a request for remedy and a deadline.
- Seek assistance from HTU or the conciliation board if the landlord does not act.
Early dialogue with the landlord can often solve the issue faster than a long process.
Key Takeaways
- Good documentation is essential to succeed in a dispute.
- Always notify the landlord in writing before escalating.
- Remember you can get help from HTU or local courts if needed.
