§ 11-2. Special rules for student and pupil housing
Student housing (studentbolig) can be let on fixed-term contracts shorter than three years, and the tenancy can end when the semester ends or when you complete your education. But you must have been told this in writing when you signed the contract.
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The text of the law (unofficial translation)
The provisions in this section apply to the letting of a home (bolig) which, by decision of a body of the state, county authority or municipality, is to be used by pupils and students. The provisions apply only if the tenant (leier) has been informed in writing that the agreement concerns such a home, and that this gives the tenant fewer rights than when renting another home.
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 (utleier) 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 (framleie) of 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 (husrom) clearly become overcrowded, or if it is necessary because of circumstances relating to the person concerned, or relating to the design or purpose of the home.
Subletting under § 7-4 during temporary absence may be refused if the landlord offers to make use of the home during the tenant's absence, and the tenant is given the right to take the home back into use after the absence.
Notwithstanding the provisions in chapter 9 on termination, it may be agreed that the tenancy agreement (leieavtale) shall lapse without notice of termination (oppsigelse) at the end of the semester, the end of the academic year or the end of the education. Notwithstanding § 9-3, the parties may also enter into a fixed-term tenancy agreement (tidsbestemt leieavtale) for a period shorter than three years. If the tenancy agreement has not been entered into for a fixed period, the tenant is always entitled, before moving out (fraflytting), to notice with a deadline as mentioned in § 9-6.
Notwithstanding § 3-5 third paragraph, it may be agreed that the interest on the deposit (depositum) account shall be credited to the landlord.
Notwithstanding § 3-2 first paragraph second sentence, advance payment for up to three months may be agreed.
What does this mean?
Student housing is not like ordinary rental properties — it is intended for students, and the places are meant to pass on to the next group of students. The law therefore allows exceptions from the usual rules, but only if you have been informed of this in writing.
What is different in student housing?
The tenancy agreement can end automatically at the end of the semester, the end of the academic year or when you complete your education — without notice of termination. Many students are familiar with this: your agreement runs out when you finish your studies.
Fixed-term agreements of less than three years can be made — for example one semester (about six months).
Subletting during temporary absence can be refused if Samskipnaden offers to make use of the home in the meantime and you get it back.
The interest on the deposit account (depositumskonto) can go to the landlord — not to you — which is an exception from the normal rule.
Up to three months' rent (husleie) in advance can be agreed.
The requirement for written information is absolute. If you were not told in writing that this is student housing with reduced rights, the ordinary tenancy rules apply in full.
Examples
Marius rents a student bedsit through Studentsamskipnaden in Bergen. The contract states in writing that it is student housing with reduced rights, and that it lapses at the end of the academic year. Marius completes his bachelor's degree and the tenancy agreement ends automatically. This is entirely lawful.
Sara rents what is presented as student housing, but the contract says nothing about it being student housing with reduced rights. The landlord wants to end the contract after one year. Sara can rely on the ordinary tenancy legislation — the contract has not been validly entered into under the student housing exception.
Common mistakes
- Thinking that all student housing automatically comes with fewer rights. No — it requires written information in the contract.
- Forgetting that you are entitled to notice even if the contract lapses. Even if the agreement ends automatically, you are entitled to notice with a deadline as mentioned in § 9-6 if the agreement is not fixed-term.
What should you do?
Read the contract carefully when you rent student housing. Does it state in writing that you have reduced rights? If it does not — contact the Rent Disputes Tribunal (Husleietvistutvalget) if you have problems with the landlord.
- § 11-1Special rules for people who struggle to find housing
- § 9-3Minimum term for fixed-term agreements
- § 3-5Deposit
- § 7-4Subletting during absence