§ 10-1. You must let prospective tenants view the home before you move out
In the period before you move out, you must give interested tenants access to view the home. But this is limited to a reasonable extent — you do not have to let people come by at any time.
Machine-translated from Norwegian. The Norwegian text is the one that applies. Read the original in Norwegian.Norsk English العربية Polski Українська
The text of the law (unofficial translation)
In the period before moving out (fraflytting), the tenant (leier) shall to a reasonable extent give persons seeking to rent access to view the rented premises (husrom).
What does this mean?
The landlord (utleier) has an interest in finding a new tenant before you move out — that is natural. And the law requires you to help with this to a reasonable degree.
"A reasonable extent" means that you cannot refuse every visit — but you also do not have to put up with strangers coming into your home every day.
In practice, this means that the landlord can arrange a few viewings during the notice period (oppsigelsestid) — preferably at agreed times that suit both parties. You can set reasonable requirements for notice, times and the number of viewings per week.
It is a balancing act: the landlord's interest in finding a new tenant against your right to privacy and peace during the last period you live there. Remember that § 5-6 on the landlord's access to the home applies — reasonable notice applies here too.
Example
Ingrid gives notice on her flat with three months' notice. The landlord wants viewings every other day. Ingrid offers two viewings a week, with at least 48 hours' notice. That is reasonable. The landlord cannot demand more.
Common mistakes
- Refusing all viewings completely. That is a breach of the duty — and the landlord can claim compensation (erstatning) for losses caused by delayed re-letting.
- Accepting viewings without requiring notice. You have the right to reasonable advance notice, just as at other times during the tenancy.
What should you do?
Agree early with the landlord on how many viewings per week you accept, and require reasonable notice. Confirm it in writing. That way you avoid misunderstandings during the last period.