§ 11-1. Special rules for homes for people who struggle to find housing
Municipal homes for people who struggle to find housing (vanskeligstilte på boligmarkedet) can have stricter terms than ordinary tenancies (leieforhold), including shorter fixed-term agreements and a limited right to take in household (husstand) members. But you must always have been told this in writing when you signed the contract.
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)
The provisions of this section apply to the letting of a publicly managed home that is to be used by people who struggle to find housing. The provisions also apply to the letting of another home that is reserved for people who struggle to find housing by decision of a body of the state, a county authority or a municipality. People who struggle to find housing means persons who need help to obtain a home because of poor finances, disability, health or social problems, poor knowledge of the Norwegian housing market or similar circumstances.
The provisions apply only if the tenant has been informed in writing that the agreement concerns a home that is to be used by people who struggle to find housing, and which exceptions have been agreed under this section.
It may be agreed that taking in a household member as mentioned in § 7-1 first sentence may only take place with the landlord's approval. In that case, approval may only be refused if circumstances relating to the design or purpose of the home justify it.
It may be agreed that taking in a household member as mentioned in § 7-1 second sentence and subletting part of the home as mentioned in § 7-3 may only take place with the landlord's approval. In that case, approval may only be refused if the rented premises will clearly become overcrowded, or if it is necessary because of circumstances relating to the person concerned, or circumstances relating to the design or purpose of the home.
It may be agreed that subletting during temporary absence as mentioned in § 7-4 may be refused if the landlord offers to manage the home during the tenant's absence, and the tenant is given the right to take the home back into use after the absence.
If there are special reasons, a fixed-term tenancy agreement may be entered into for a shorter period than three years notwithstanding § 9-3. It is not permitted to enter into more than one fixed-term agreement for the same home between the same parties of shorter duration than follows from § 9-3. If there are compelling reasons, several fixed-term tenancy agreements of shorter duration than follows from § 9-3 may nevertheless be entered into. A fixed-term tenancy agreement entered into in breach of these provisions shall be regarded as open-ended.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 3-7, it may be agreed that the tenant of a home as mentioned in the first paragraph shall provide a loan to the landlord, if the state, a county authority or a municipality is the landlord.
What does this mean?
Municipalities and other public bodies manage homes for people who for various reasons need help to obtain a home (bolig) — poor finances, disability, mental health problems, substance abuse, or being new to Norway.
These homes can be let on terms that differ somewhat from the usual. Among other things, it can be agreed that:
- Taking in household members requires the landlord's (utleier) approval, even for close family
- Subletting (framleie) during temporary absence can be refused if the landlord offers to manage the home in the meantime
- A fixed-term tenancy agreement (tidsbestemt leieavtale) can be entered into for a shorter period than three years — if there are special reasons
But — and this is key: All of this requires that you were informed in writing about these exceptions when you entered into the tenancy agreement (leieavtale). If you did not get it in writing, the ordinary rules apply. The municipality cannot quietly give you fewer rights after you have signed.
There is also a limit: More than one fixed-term contract shorter than three years between the same parties for the same home is not permitted — unless there are compelling reasons.
Examples
Lars rents a municipal home after a difficult period with substance abuse. The contract is for one year and states in writing that it has been entered into under § 11-1. Lars knows what he has accepted. After one year, the municipality can end the tenancy — but only if the original terms have been followed.
Kari rents a municipal home. The contract says nothing about it being entered into under § 11-1. The municipality tries to end her tenancy after one year, referring to a fixed-term contract. Since the terms were not stated in writing, the ordinary rules apply — the contract is open-ended (tidsubestemt leieavtale), and Kari has full protection against notice of termination.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a shorter contract without checking whether the exceptions were stated in writing. If the written information is missing, the ordinary rules apply.
- Believing that a municipal home automatically means fewer rights. No — reduced rights require a written agreement.
What should you do?
If you rent a municipal home: Read the contract carefully. Does it state that the home is for people who struggle to find housing, and which specific exceptions apply? If it does not, you have the ordinary rights. Contact the Rent Disputes Tribunal (Husleietvistutvalget) if you are unsure.
- § 1-2The Act cannot be departed from to the tenant's disadvantage
- § 9-3Minimum term for fixed-term agreements
- § 11-2Special rules for student and pupil housing
- § 7-1Taking people into the household