Report Housing Discrimination in Norway: Guide for Tenants
As a tenant in Norway, it can be difficult to know what to do if you experience housing discrimination. This guide explains step by step how to collect evidence, notify the landlord, and where you can complain if you do not get help. The text uses simple language and shows which laws and agencies can help you, including the Tenancy Act[1] and the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU)[2]. You will get practical tips on documentation, deadlines and how to follow the case further in public channels so that you as a tenant in Norway can better safeguard your rights.
What to do first
Start by calming the situation and collecting basic information: what happened, when, who was involved, and whether there were witnesses. Note dates and times, and create a short chronology of events. This makes it easier to explain the case to advisers or authorities later.
Keep a clear chronology of events with dates and times.
Gather documentation
- Photos of the situation and written communication (evidence)
- Screenshots of messages and emails (evidence)
- Receipts for paid rent and deposit
- Rental agreement and any attachments or rules
Detailed documentation increases the chance of success in a complaint.
Notify the landlord in writing
Send a formal written notice to the landlord describing what happened and what you want the landlord to do. Ask for a written confirmation of receipt. Such a notice may also be necessary for later complaint handling.
Always send written notice and keep a copy for yourself.
If you do not get an answer or solution
If the landlord does not remedy the matter or provide a satisfactory explanation, you can file a complaint with the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU) or consider other legal steps. HTU handles many disputes between tenants and landlords and can issue decisions in specific cases.[2]
HTU can make decisions in disputes between tenants and landlords.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What counts as housing discrimination?
- Housing discrimination can include refusing to rent based on gender, ethnicity, religion, family status or disability, or differential treatment in rental terms.
- What evidence do I need?
- Documents such as emails, messages, SMS, witness statements, photos and receipts are key types of evidence. A clear chronology also helps.
- Where do I complain first?
- Start by notifying the landlord in writing. If the situation is not resolved, you can file a case with HTU or seek advice from relevant public authorities.
How to
- Gather evidence: photos, messages, contract and receipts (evidence)
- Send written notice to the landlord and request a response within 14 days (days)
- Seek advice from a local tenant association or legal aid
- If no solution: file a formal complaint with HTU including your documentation
- Consider legal action through the courts if the matter is not resolved via HTU
Many cases are resolved faster when you have collected all documentation before contacting authorities.
