Deposit account in Norway - how to get your deposit back after your tenancy ends?

Are you ending a tenancy in Norway and want to get your paid deposit back? A withdrawal from a blocked account is simple when both parties agree. The problem arises when the landlord claims damage, cleaning costs or unpaid rent.

In this article, we explain how to prepare for the handover, how to submit a withdrawal request to the bank, and what to do when the landlord tries to keep the money. We provide rules and amounts valid for 2026.

What is a depositumskonto and who is entitled to the money?

A depositumskonto is a blocked bank account used to hold a rental deposit. The account must be opened in the tenant's name, and the landlord pays the cost of opening it. The landlord may choose the bank, provided this does not cause significant inconvenience to the tenant.

The key rules are set out in the Norwegian Tenancy Act:

• the deposit may not exceed the equivalent of 6 months' rent,
• the money must be held in a separate, blocked account,
• during the tenancy, neither party may withdraw the principal on their own,
• the tenant is entitled to interest accrued on the account,
• the law does not set a single interest rate - the bank applies its standard terms for this type of account.

The deposit secures claims arising from the agreement, including unpaid rent, damage to the property, necessary cleaning and costs of clearing out the premises. However, the mere fact that the landlord makes a claim does not mean that the bank will automatically pay them the money.

We discuss the general rights of the parties during the tenancy separately in the article What obligations do landlords and tenants have in Norway?

How should you prepare the property and documents for the refund?

Unless the parties agree otherwise, the property is considered returned when the landlord has received all keys and has unrestricted access to the premises. The property should be emptied, cleaned and left in a condition corresponding to its condition on the day it was taken over, taking normal wear and tear and ageing into account.

Once you have handed over the keys, you generally no longer have the right to enter the property to improve the cleaning or carry out repairs. You may do so only with the landlord's consent. Therefore, complete all work before handing over the property.

The safest option is to carry out a joint inspection and sign a handover report containing:

• the date the property was returned,
• the number of sets of keys handed over,
• meter readings,
• a description of every room and item of equipment,
• a list of the landlord's reservations,
• an agreement on the payment or division of the deposit.

You can use this property return form. Also take dated photographs or a recording of all rooms, floors, walls, appliances and furnishings.

Keep the tenancy agreement, move-in report, rent payment confirmations, correspondence with the landlord, cleaning receipts and confirmation that the keys were handed over. These documents will be needed if a dispute arises over the condition of the property.

How do you start the deposit payout process with the bank?

Agreement between both parties

If the rent has been paid, the landlord has accepted the condition of the property and the parties have no claims against each other, the bank should be given consent to pay the deposit to the tenant. The form depends on the individual bank's procedure, but the consent should be clear and recorded in writing.

You can also agree to divide the money. For example, a specified amount may be paid to the landlord to cover an accepted cost, while the remaining amount is paid to you.

No consent from the landlord

The absence of the landlord's signature does not prevent you from recovering the deposit. Once the tenancy has ended, you can submit a request for payment directly to the bank.

The deadline is 5 weeks from the date the bank sends the notification, not from the date you submit your instruction. The landlord can stop the payment if, within that period, they provide proof that proceedings have been initiated before a tenancy dispute resolution body or a court. A separate procedure applies to documented unpaid rent.

How are the landlord's claims assessed?

The procedure depends on the type of claim. It is particularly important to distinguish unpaid rent from claims concerning damage or cleaning.

Damage and cleaning costs

The landlord's statement alone that the property was damaged or poorly cleaned does not entitle them to take the money. In the event of a dispute, the landlord must prove:

• that damage or a defect exists,
• that the tenant is responsible,
• the actual and necessary cost of repair or cleaning.

You are not responsible for normal wear and tear. The assessment takes into account the age of the property and its equipment, its initial condition, the length of the tenancy and the number of occupants.

If replacing an old item improves the standard of the property, the landlord should not pass the full replacement cost on to you. For example, replacing an old, previously worn floor with a completely new one requires taking its age and prior wear into account.

Special procedure for rent

The bank may pay unpaid rent to the landlord if all of the following conditions are met:

• the agreement states that rent is to be paid into an account at the same bank where the depositumskonto is held,
• the landlord has documented the arrears,
• the bank has notified you of the claim,
• within 5 weeks of the notification being sent, you do not provide proof that proceedings against the landlord have been initiated.

If you dispute the arrears, for example because you were entitled to a rent reduction, you must act within this deadline. Failure to respond may result in the money being paid to the landlord.

Deposit paid into the landlord's private account

A deposit paid in cash or transferred to the landlord's ordinary account is an illegal deposit. You may demand its return without starting the procedure that applies to a depositumskonto.

As a rule, you are also entitled to late payment interest calculated from the date of payment. From 1 July to 31 December 2026, this interest rate is 12.25% per year. For earlier periods, the rates applicable in the relevant six-month periods must be used.

If the landlord ignores your request for the return of the money, we will be happy to prepare a formal payment demand on your behalf.

When should you bring the matter before Husleietvistutvalget?

Husleietvistutvalget - HTU is the Norwegian body that resolves disputes concerning residential tenancies. It deals with, among other things, unpaid and illegal deposits, damage, cleaning and unpaid rent.

You submit a complaint to the HTU in Norwegian. It is worth attaching the following in one PDF file:

• the tenancy agreement,
• the property handover and return reports,
• photographs and recordings,
• invoices and payment confirmations,
• the request submitted to the bank,
• correspondence with the landlord,
• a copy of the notification sent by the bank.

The fee for a complaint submitted by a tenant is NOK 269 in 2026. For a landlord, the fee is NOK 2,071. In the form, you can request reimbursement of the fee and any interest due from the other party.

According to data current in October 2026, the waiting time for a case to begin being processed is approximately 11 months. However, to meet the bank's five-week deadline, confirmation that proceedings have been initiated is sufficient. You do not need to wait for a decision.

If the parties do not reach a settlement, the HTU issues a written decision. The matter may be brought before the district court within 1 month of the decision being served. Once that deadline passes without action, the decision becomes binding.

FAQ - frequently asked questions

Summary

• A legal deposit must be held in a depositumskonto opened in the tenant's name, and the landlord bears the cost of opening the account.
• When returning the property, prepare a report, take photographs and keep confirmation that all keys were handed over.
• If the landlord refuses consent, submit an instruction directly to the bank and keep track of the 5-week deadline from the notification being sent.
• You can demand a deposit transferred to the landlord's private account directly, together with the interest due.

If you need help with Norwegian administrative matters, call us: +47 21 38 38 21. We are available by phone Monday to Friday, 9:00-21:00, and will be happy to help!

Article author: Marcin - marcin@efirma.no