§ 4-6. The authorities can introduce a rent freeze
In special situations, the government can introduce a rent freeze (leiestopp) or set maximum rates for rent (husleie), for example in war, major crises or periods of extraordinary price increases. This is not usual in normal times.
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)
If circumstances make it necessary, the King may, for specific periods, specific areas or specific tenancies (leieforhold), set a rent freeze and maximum rates for rent. The King may also issue regulations on what is to be regarded as prevailing rent (gjengs leie).
What does this mean?
This section is an emergency provision (beredskapshjemmel), meaning a rule that allows the authorities to act quickly in a crisis.
In the event of war, a natural disaster, a pandemic or extraordinary price increases, the government can introduce a rent freeze by Royal Decree (kongelig resolusjon): no landlord (utleier) can increase the rent. They can also set maximum rent rates for specific types of homes (bolig) or specific geographical areas.
The authorities can also decide what is to be regarded as "prevailing rent", in other words set an official reference price.
In normal times this provision is not used. It is a safety valve, but it is important that it exists.