Tenant rights: Reporting housing discrimination in Norway
What is housing discrimination?
Housing discrimination means that someone is treated differently in connection with renting, viewings, entering into or terminating a tenancy because of, for example, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or similar. Discrimination can be both direct (refusing to rent to a particular person) and indirect (rules that appear neutral but disadvantage certain groups). It is important to distinguish between unlawful discrimination and other conflict areas in a tenancy, such as missed payments or breaches of house rules.
Can a landlord report housing discrimination?
Yes, a landlord can report a suspicion of housing discrimination to the relevant authorities or seek legal clarification, but that does not automatically mean the allegation is correct. In Norway many matters are regulated by the Tenancy Act and other rules, and disputes about discrimination can end up at the Tenancy Disputes Committee or in the courts depending on the case.[1] If you are contacted or reported, it is important to respond factually, gather documentation and consider whether you should request mediation or formal processing.[2]
What should you document?
- All written communication: email, SMS, messages and letters.
- Photos or video that show conditions or incidents.
- Names and contact details of witnesses or third parties.
- The lease agreement, payment receipts and records of maintenance or complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a landlord have the case reviewed without going to court?
- Yes. Many tenancy disputes, including questions about discrimination, can be handled by the Tenancy Disputes Committee or resolved through mediation.
- Do I need legal assistance?
- Not always, but for complex allegations or serious consequences it may be helpful to get advice from a private lawyer or legal aid.
- What happens if I lose the case?
- The consequences depend on the case: it may lead to warnings, claims for compensation or in some cases termination or damages.
How-To
- Collect all relevant documentation and note the sequence of events.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request an explanation or attempt dialogue.
- Consider contacting an advisory service or legal assistance for guidance.
- If dialogue does not resolve the matter, consider filing a formal complaint with the Tenancy Disputes Committee.
- As a last resort the case can be brought before the courts if the necessary conditions are met.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] HTU - Tenancy Disputes Committee
- [2] Lovdata - Tenancy Act
- [3] Courts - information about legal processes
