So you've deicided to rent? What's next?
We recommend that you start your search at least 2-3 months before the start date of your rental. Our rental checklist can help check off what you may want or need when you start with your search.
You may have to rent a month earlier than your intended arrival to get the right accommodation, or you may have to stay in a different accommodation for a month or so before your selected accommodation is available.
Additionally, when moving to a new country, there is much to learn and find out about the area and amenities; people often learn what they need and want after they have lived in a new town for a few months.
Check out Finn.no and other useful online property listings sites on our website where you can find properties listed for rent and for sale, and save your searches.
Things to note
Once you’ve found a property that you are interested in, you may contact the landlord. When getting in touch with an owner of a house or an apartment, it is important to explain in the first instance, why you are looking to rent. This helps owners to sift out serious enquiries from the insincere ones and increases your chance of getting a response.
We would recommend something along the lines of (replace the parts in italics to suit your situation):
“Hi. My name is John and I’ve recently been offered a job at Perfect Company AS in Arendal. I plan to move from Germany with my wife and three children in March and I’m looking to rent a …”
You may also forward the property to us if you would like us to follow-up with the landlord on an issue. We can help you to determine if the selected property is a good fit for you, in terms of proximity to your work place, city centre, public transport or other preferred amenities.
It is important that you get answers to any questions that you may have from the landlord before signing a tenancy agreement to avoid any unnecessary disappointments later. You may request for a tenancy agreement that is written in English.
Let’s not forget that as a tenant, you have obligations and rights.
The Tenancy Act stipulates what rights that you as a tenant is entitled to.
Some note-worthy stipulations:
Renting a house or an apartment in Norway?
A checklist can help with your wants and needs.