Tenant Deadlines: Cost Rent & Refunds in Norway

As a tenant in Norway it is important to know the deadlines that apply to cost rent and claiming refunds. Many cases involve overpaid shared costs, billing errors, or expenses that should not have been passed on to the tenant. This guide explains the typical time limits, which documents you should collect, how to present a claim to the landlord, and when you can use the Tenancy Disputes Board or the courts. The text gives practical steps you can follow, examples of common situations, and tips on how to secure evidence. The goal is to help you protect your rights and avoid losing a claim due to missed deadlines.

What is cost rent?

Cost rent means that the landlord passes certain operating costs or shared expenses to the tenant, usually according to the lease agreement or an allocation of common costs. Rights and limits on what can be charged follow from the Tenancy Act and case law. See in particular the rules about what can be charged and when costs must be documented to be valid.^[1]

Key deadlines

• Check payment dates and gather receipts (payment) as soon as possible.
• Complaint or claim for refund should generally be made within three years for ordinary monetary claims.
• Send a written notice or claim to the landlord and note the delivery date (notice).
• Record deadlines for responses, negotiations and any appeal deadlines in your calendar.

How to claim a refund

Follow these practical steps when you believe you are owed a refund: collect all payment and billing documentation, prepare a clear overview of what was paid incorrectly, and send a written claim to the landlord with a deadline for response. If the landlord does not accept the claim, you can consider taking the case to the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU) or the courts.^[2]

1. Collect receipts, the lease, emails and photos that document the cost.
2. Send a written claim to the landlord explaining the error and requesting a refund (notice).
3. Request written confirmation or a reply and document all communication.
4. If you cannot reach an agreement, consider bringing the case to HTU or the conciliation board/court.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a refund if I was billed incorrectly?

Yes. If the landlord has charged costs that are not supported by the lease or law, you can claim a refund. Start with a written claim and documentation.

How long do I have to complain?

The ordinary limitation period for monetary claims is usually three years, but special rules may apply. Act early to avoid losing the claim.

When should I contact the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU)?

If the dispute concerns a tenancy relationship and you cannot reach agreement, HTU can be a quick and low-cost alternative to the courts.

How to

1. Gather all documentation: lease, invoices, receipts and communication.
2. Draft a clear claim and send it in writing to the landlord with a specific deadline (notice).
3. Follow up in writing if you do not receive a reply; document all contacts.
4. If the landlord rejects the claim, consider filing with HTU or the conciliation board.

Key points

• Document everything from the start to strengthen your claim.
• Keep track of deadlines and response times continuously.
• Seek advice early if you are unsure about rights or procedure.

Help and support

• Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU) — case help and guidance
• Lovdata — Tenancy Act and relevant regulations
• Domstol.no — information on conciliation boards and court processes

1. [1] Lovdata — Tenancy Act
2. [2] Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU)
3. [3] The Courts — information on dispute resolution