Are you on the hunt for a single room, a studio apartment, an apartment or a house to rent? Right now there’s fierce competition for rental housing, especially in the major student cities like Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen. Prices are rising and standards are falling, which means you need to think carefully before you sign. That’s the advice from rental expert, Nora Vigen Stabell, Head of Communications at FINN Real Estate.
“There are long queues at viewings and intense competition for the rentals that are available, and it’s easy to understand why people might feel pressured to sign anything. No matter what kind of home it is, my advice is to keep a few important things in mind before entering into a lease agreement.”
- Sign a lease contract with a notice period. Use FINN’s free digital rental contract.
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Make sure the deposit is placed in a separate deposit account in your name.
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Document any defects or shortcomings in the home when you move in.
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Notify the landlord of any repairs or maintenance, that is not your responsibility.
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Remember that electricity is often not included in the rent; make sure to factor this in.
Review the lease contract
To make the rental process as easy as possible, FINN has developed a free digital lease contract in collaboration with the Consumer Council. It ensures that both landlord and tenant have their rights protected.
Even if you're just renting a room in a shared flat, it’s smart to have the tenancy formalised in writing.
“All tenants in a shared flat should sign the contract. If they don’t, the person who does sign becomes solely responsible. FINN’s digital contract is easy to complete and available directly through the housing listings,” says Vigen Stabell.
The Consumer Council’s tips for a clear rental relationship
If one of the parties requests it, a written contract must always be created. A proper contract should specify:
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the rent amount
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whether a deposit is required
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any additional charges for electricity or water
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which rooms and areas the rental includes
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the period of notice
Read more about your rights as a tenant on the Consumer Council’s website.
Do your research before viewings
Before attending a viewing, it’s smart to check what people typically pay for rent in the areas you’re interested in. Competition for the best rentals can be tough.
According to Vigen Stabell, offering references can help convince a landlord that you’re the right tenant.
“It may even be worthwhile to create a tenant CV that the landlord can look over. It gives them extra confidence,” she explains.
“Wanted to rent” Ads are becoming popular
Another way to stand out is to create your own “wanted to rent” ad on FINN. This has become a popular strategy, allowing people to show some personality to potential landlords. Humour often works well, says Vigen Stabell.
One person who benefited from this approach is Egil Olav Kristoffersen (27) from Tromsø, who in April 2019 was searching for an apartment in Asker. He wrote in his ad:
“Hi, and congratulations. You now have the chance to get your very own North Norwegian in the basement, attic, or even a lavvu in the garden,”
Shortly after, the phone started ringing.
“I’ve tried the traditional approach before and only received a couple of inquiries. But after posting my new ‘wanted to rent’ ad yesterday, it’s been viewed over 5,000 times, and the offers are flooding in,” he told iTromsø.
Before you go! Remember:
Finding the right place to live can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation you’re already well on your way. Remember the five essential tips: sign a proper contract, secure a deposit account, document the condition of the home, report needed repairs, and always include electricity costs in your budget.
On top of that, taking a little time to research the market before viewings helps you understand what’s normal in your area . And don’t forget: a “Wanted to Rent” ad can be a fun and effective way to show who you are and catch a landlord’s attention.
Happy house-hunting!🌟
