Accommodation in Oslo

Accommodation in Oslo is high quality and can be found in a range of neighbourhoods, with something to suit every taste and lifestyle.

Most expats rent accommodation in Oslo, at least initially. There’s a high demand for housing in the city, and the market moves quickly, so you’ll need to be prepared to act fast if you find something you like.

Areas and suburbs in Oslo

The Akerselva River splits Oslo into the western and eastern districts. Officially, the city is divided into 15 boroughs or municipalities, which are largely self-governed. Each is responsible for its own clinics, kindergartens and other public services.

The west is where established Norwegian families and most expats live, especially diplomats. Neighbourhoods in the west include Marienlyst, Majorstuen, Frogner, Bygdøy, Torshov, Ullevål-Hageby, Sankt Hanshaugen, Vinderen and Kjelsås. In the east are trendy, colourful and diverse neighbourhoods such as Grønland, Grunerløkka, Tøyen, Tveita, Grorud, Stovner, Hellerud, Nordstrand, Sagene and Ekeberg.

For young and single expats, Majorstuen, Grønland or Grunerløkka might be good choices as they are all relatively central. For families, Frogner in the centre or the suburbs are suitable for accommodation with more space. The location of schools and work often define the areas in which expats choose to live.

See Areas and Suburbs in Oslo for more details on the best areas to live in the city.

Types of accommodation in Oslo

Properties in Oslo are of a high standard since the country has strict building laws. Insulation is very good out of necessity, given the cold season lasts a long time. A mixture of freestanding houses, rowhouses, and apartments can be found in the city.

Although the price of housing in Oslo is generally quite high, it differs by neighbourhood. Accommodation in the city centre is expensive and can be cramped. If you’re after a spacious place with a garden, you should look at options in the suburbs.

Finding accommodation in Oslo

The best place to start looking for accommodation in Oslo is online. A wide range of property portals are available, including Finn.no and Hybel.no.

Demand for accommodation in Oslo is high. Most places are rented or sold within days of going on the market. Before beginning their search, expats should decide on a budget, get the funding settled with their bank or company and, if their dream home is found, apply as soon as they can.

Useful links

• Finn.no
• Hybel.no

Renting accommodation in Oslo

The rental market in Oslo is vibrant and is in constant flux. Before beginning the search, make sure you have the relevant documents to hand, including proof of identity and income.

Making an application

Once expats have found a property that meets their requirements, they will be expected to complete a detailed application form and provide evidence of their income and legal status in the country. In some cases, they may be asked for a reference from a previous landlord or a certificate indicating they have no outstanding rent due.

Leases and deposits

Normally, the landlord is responsible for setting up a joint bank account exclusively for the deposit. It will remain untouched until the lease ends. If damage is caused or rent is owed, it will be taken from the joint account. The deposit is usually between two and three months’ rent.

Once the lease is signed, the tenant will be responsible for payment on a monthly basis into the landlord’s bank account. This will be done via electronic bank transfer.

Terminating the lease

The length of notice before the contract can be terminated must be decided on and included in the contract. Normally, an expat will be expected to give three months’ notice when moving out. Once the lease is up, the landlord decides whether to renew it or not.

Utilities in Oslo

Most rentals will already have gas, electricity and water connected and working, but expats may need to transfer the accounts to their name while responsible for the rental. Utilities aren’t usually included in the rent and are normally an extra cost for the tenant.

Electricity

Electricity can be expensive in Norway, especially during the chilly winter months when heating is frequently used.

Numerous electricity providers are available, and consumers can choose which provider to use. There are online services to help determine which is best for your situation.

Electricity is usually billed quarterly. Payment can be set up automatically with your bank.

Water

Tap water in Oslo comes from melting snow in the surrounding hills and gets into Oslo via a network of streams running into Oslo’s water reservoirs. The quality is good by global standards, and it is perfectly safe to drink. Like electricity, the water will most likely already be set up upon moving in, and an expat will just need to transfer the account into their name.

Bins and recycling

The city of Oslo has an integrated waste management system which aims to drastically reduce pollution. Only a small fraction of household waste goes to landfill, and the rest is reused, recycled or used to generate energy at two plants managed by the Agency for Waste Management (Renovasjonsetaten).

You can separate your waste into different coloured bags and place these bags into the demarcated bins provided by the city. The bins are emptied by the Agency for Waste Management. Any waste that doesn’t fit into the given categories or that is too big for the bags or bins should be delivered to a recycling station.

Useful links

• City of Oslo – Utilities and Public Services
• Strømtest – Compare Electricity Prices