Tenant Evidence in Norway: Photos, Logs, Witnesses
As a tenant in Norway, documenting damage, defects or breaches of agreement can be decisive if you face a dispute or need to reclaim your deposit. This guide shows practical steps to gather evidence with photos, a chronological log and witnesses so you are better prepared at move-in or move-out or for repair claims. We explain what types of documentation count, how to record dates and times, and how to ensure the evidence is credible in communication with the landlord or when filing a complaint to the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU) or the courts. The text uses plain language and concrete examples to help you through the process in Norway.
What does evidence mean in a tenancy?
Evidence is all documentation that can show condition, timing or responsibility in a tenancy. It can be photos, videos, written correspondence, receipts and witness statements. The Tenancy Act provides the framework for rights and obligations in the tenancy, and documentation makes it easier to show what happened.[1]
How to collect evidence
Work systematically: start with overview photos at move-in, document changes or damage continuously, note date and time, and keep receipts. Also collect witness statements if others saw the incident.
- Take overview photos of every room (photo).
- Take close-up photos of damage with a scale or object for comparison (photo).
- Keep a dated log of events with times (record).
- Have witnesses provide short written statements or contact info (contact).
- Keep receipts for repairs and purchases that may be relevant (receipt).
When is documentation important?
Documentation is particularly important at move-in and move-out, for lack of maintenance, or when a landlord claims compensation or withholds the deposit. If you need to complain to the Tenancy Disputes Board (HTU) or the conciliation court/district court, it is often the evidence that decides the outcome.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What photos are best to take?
- Take both overview photos and close-ups with something showing scale, and note date and time.
- How long should I keep documentation?
- Keep documentation for at least as long as the tenancy and potential claims may arise; in disputes several years is often recommended depending on the case.
- Can witnesses help in a deposit dispute?
- Yes. Written witness statements with contact information can help support what happened.
How to (step by step)
- Begin with detailed overview photos at move-in and move-out (photo).
- Take extra close-up photos of damage and note where on the item or wall the damage is (photo).
- Keep a running log with date and time of events and communications (record).
- Have witnesses confirm in writing or by email with name and contact info (contact).
- Collect receipts for repairs and other relevant costs (receipt).
- Organize everything in a folder or digitally and make backups before sending to the landlord or HTU (record).
Key takeaways
- Take photos immediately and preserve originals (photo).
- Always keep a dated log with times for incidents (record).
- Obtain written witness statements when possible (contact).
Help and Support / Resources
Official sources such as the Tenancy Act, HTU and the courts provide guidance.[1][2][3]
