Who Pays Utilities as a Tenant in Norway
As a tenant in Norway, it can be unclear who should pay for electricity, water and district heating. This depends on what is written in the lease agreement, how consumption is measured, and which local arrangements apply. The article explains step by step which costs are typically borne by the tenant versus the landlord, what rights you have under the Tenancy Act, and how to document claims or disputes. You will also get practical advice on payment, settlement, and where to file a complaint if you cannot agree with the landlord. The goal is that you as a tenant in Norway should be able to act with confidence and know which steps to take next.
What do the rules cover?
The rules in the Tenancy Act and related practice primarily govern who must pay fixed common expenses versus individual consumption-based costs. The lease agreement can allocate costs, but it cannot override basic obligations regarding habitability or regulations on measurement and settlement.[1]
Who pays what?
- Payment of electricity: If electricity is metered per apartment, the tenant normally pays their own consumption.
- Payment for water and sewage: In many places water is included in common costs, but if the apartment has its own meter the tenant pays their own consumption.
- District heating or shared heating: Depends on the contract; some housing associations distribute via common costs.
- Maintenance and repairs: The landlord normally has responsibility to ensure heating, hot water and sanitary installations work, unless the damage is due to the tenant's negligence.
About settlement
Settlements should be clear: who measured, which period is covered, and how the amount is distributed. If you receive a settlement that seems incorrect, request copies of meter readings and calculations. If the landlord ignores the request you can report the matter to the Tenancy Disputes Board.[2]
Concrete situations
- Electricity included in rent: Agreed fixed price can be included in the rent, but deductions may still be made if the landlord does not provide heating or electricity.
- Electricity metered with supplier: Pay directly to the electricity supplier unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Shared metering: Request accounts and the distribution key for shared consumption.
Frequently asked questions
- Can the landlord require me to pay electricity if it is not in the contract?
- No. Changes in payment obligations must be agreed in writing. If the landlord demands payment without agreement, you can refuse the claim and request written documentation.
- What should I do if heating or hot water does not work?
- Notify the landlord in writing and demand repair. If repair is not made within a reasonable time you can request a rent reduction or carry out repairs yourself and claim reimbursement, depending on the situation.
- How do I complain about an incorrect settlement?
- Request documentation first. If you do not reach agreement, you can send the case to the Tenancy Disputes Board or the courts for resolution.
- Do I have to pay common costs when moving out before settlement?
- Usually a final settlement is made when moving out; secure a final meter reading and get written confirmation of amounts before accepting the final settlement.
How to
- Read the lease agreement carefully to see what is agreed about electricity, water and district heating.
- Collect documentation: contract, receipts, meter readings and photos of defects.
- Notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for repair or clarification.
- If disagreement persists, send a claim to the Tenancy Disputes Board or the conciliation board with copies of all documentation.
- Follow up deadlines for filing complaints; lack of response may weaken your case.
Key takeaways
- The lease agreement often determines who pays, but not in cases of lack of habitability.
- Documentation increases your chances of success in a dispute.
- Use the Tenancy Disputes Board as the first formal complaint body in disputes.
