How to release the deposit after moving out

When a tenancy ends, the tenant and landlord need to complete the final deposit settlement.

If the property has been returned, all rent has been paid and both parties agree on the settlement, the deposit can normally be released quickly. If there is a disagreement, Norwegian law provides a clear process for handling the money.

In short:

• Complete a joint move-out inspection.
• Document the condition of the property.
• Clarify any claims in writing.
• Agree on how the deposit should be distributed.
• Send the instructions to the bank or deposit provider.
• If the landlord does not cooperate, the tenant can request payment directly.
• The bank must then notify the landlord in writing.
• The landlord has five weeks to stop the payment on a legally valid basis.

Who owns the deposit?

The deposit belongs to the tenant, but it serves as security for valid landlord claims under the tenancy agreement.

A legal deposit must be held in a blocked account in the tenant’s name. Neither party can withdraw the money alone while the tenancy continues.

At the end of the tenancy, the deposit will either be:

• Returned to the tenant
• Divided between the tenant and landlord by agreement
• Used fully or partly to cover a documented claim
• Kept blocked while a disagreement is resolved

Interest earned on the account belongs to the tenant.

Start with a joint move-out inspection

The tenant and landlord should inspect the property together when the keys are returned.

Check areas such as:

• Cleaning
• Walls, floors and ceilings
• The kitchen and appliances
• The bathroom
• Windows and doors
• Furniture included with the property
• The number of keys returned
• Electricity or water meter readings, if relevant

Compare the condition with the move-in report and any photographs taken at the beginning of the tenancy.

Record the result in writing, including any points the parties disagree about. Both parties should receive a copy. The Norwegian Consumer Council publishes a free property return form covering keys, meter readings, each party's comments and how the deposit should be divided.

Document the property before returning the keys

Take photographs or video after the property has been emptied and cleaned.

The documentation should show:

• Every room
• Floors, walls and ceilings
• The inside of cupboards
• Appliances
• The bathroom
• Existing damage
• The date the property was returned

Keep copies of:

• The move-in and move-out reports
• The tenancy agreement
• Photographs from the beginning of the tenancy
• Cleaning and repair receipts
• Confirmation that the keys were returned
• Messages and emails between the parties
• Evidence that rent has been paid

Good documentation makes disagreements easier to resolve.

What can the landlord claim?

The deposit may secure valid claims under the tenancy agreement, including:

• Unpaid rent
• Damage for which the tenant is responsible
• Insufficient cleaning
• Missing keys
• Other documented contractual obligations

The landlord cannot automatically charge the tenant for normal wear and tear.

Normal wear and tear includes deterioration caused by ordinary use over time. The length of the tenancy, the age of the property and its condition at move-in can all be relevant.

The landlord should describe the claim in writing and explain how the amount was calculated. Photographs, receipts, estimates and invoices may provide relevant evidence.

The landlord cannot keep the deposit simply because a possible cost may arise later.

When both parties agree

The simplest solution is for the tenant and landlord to agree on the final settlement.

Confirm in writing:

• That the tenancy has ended
• That the property and keys have been returned
• Whether the landlord has any claims
• The value of any agreed claims
• How the deposit and interest should be divided
• Where the money should be transferred

Both parties then approve the payment through the bank or deposit solution.

If there are no claims, the full deposit and interest are paid to the tenant.

If the parties agree on a deduction, the agreed amount can be paid to the landlord and the remaining balance to the tenant.

If the landlord does not respond

The tenant does not need to wait indefinitely.

Once the tenancy has ended, the tenant can contact the bank directly and request payment of the deposit.

The bank must send written notice to the landlord. The notice will explain that the deposit will be released to the tenant unless the landlord stops the payment within five weeks.

Ask the bank for a copy of the notice. The five-week period only begins once the bank has sent it.

If the landlord does not provide the required documentation before the deadline, the bank must pay the deposit to the tenant.

How can the landlord stop the payment?

The landlord cannot stop the payment simply by stating that a claim exists.

Within the five-week period, the landlord must document one of the following:

• The tenant has agreed to payment to the landlord
• The landlord has submitted the dispute to the Rent Disputes Tribunal or a court
• There is a claim for unpaid rent that meets the special legal requirements

For damage, cleaning and claims other than unpaid rent, the landlord must normally start formal proceedings to prevent the money from being released.

The money remains protected while the case is being considered.

The special rule for unpaid rent

A separate rule may apply when the landlord claims unpaid rent.

The bank may pay overdue rent directly to the landlord if:

• The deposit account and rent account are held by the same bank
• The parties agreed in writing that rent would be paid into that account
• The landlord documents the relevant rental period
• The bank notifies the tenant about the claim

In this situation, the tenant must act if the claim is incorrect. The tenant will normally need to document that the dispute has been submitted to the Rent Disputes Tribunal or a court within five weeks to prevent payment.

For claims other than unpaid rent, it is normally the landlord who must initiate the case.

What if only part of the deposit is disputed?

The entire deposit does not need to remain blocked.

If the landlord claims for one thing — cleaning, for example — and the tenant disagrees about that specific item, the rest can be released straight away. Only the disputed amount needs to stay protected.

That gives the tenant access to the money nobody disputes, and it makes the disagreement smaller and easier to resolve.

What if you cannot agree?

Start by sending the other party a written explanation.

Include:

• What the disagreement concerns
• The amount involved
• Why the claim is accepted or rejected
• The supporting documentation
• Your proposed solution
• A reasonable deadline for responding

If the disagreement continues, the matter can be submitted to the Norwegian Rent Disputes Tribunal. It handles disputes concerning deposits, rent, cleaning and damage.

Keep all relevant documentation while the case is being processed.

How long does it take to receive the deposit?

If the parties agree and approve the settlement, there is no need to wait five weeks. The practical processing time will depend on the bank or deposit provider.

The five-week deadline applies when the tenant requests payment without the landlord’s consent.

Remember:

• The deadline begins when the bank sends its notice
• The period is five weeks
• The money must be released if the landlord does not respond correctly
• The bank cannot hold the money longer without a valid legal basis

If the case goes to the Rent Disputes Tribunal, expect it to take considerably longer. On 30 July 2026 the Tribunal stated that it can take around ten months before processing begins. Processing times change, so check htu.no for current information. This is the main reason it is almost always worth reaching agreement.

Making the move-out process easier

For tenants

• Read the tenancy agreement before moving out.
• Arrange an inspection and key handover.
• Clean the property thoroughly.
• Take dated photographs and video.
• Request written evidence for every claim.
• Contact the bank if the landlord does not cooperate.
• Do not accept a deduction you do not understand.

For landlords

• Inspect the property promptly.
• Compare its condition with the move-in documentation.
• Distinguish damage from normal wear and tear.
• Explain and document claims in writing.
• Release any amount that is not disputed.
• Follow the bank’s deadlines if there is a disagreement.

Moving out with Keyhole Secure

With Keyhole Secure, the deposit remains blocked and registered in the tenant’s name throughout the tenancy.

After moving out, the tenant and landlord complete a final settlement. Once both parties approve how the deposit should be distributed, the money is paid according to their agreement.

If the parties disagree, the disputed amount remains protected while the matter is resolved. Keyhole does not decide which party is right, but the solution supports a clear and documented process.

Frequently asked questions

Does the landlord need to approve the return of my deposit?

If both parties agree, they approve the payment together. If the landlord does not respond or refuses without formally pursuing a claim, the tenant can request payment directly from the bank.

Does the five-week deadline start when I move out?

No. It begins when the bank sends written notice of the tenant’s payment request to the landlord.

Can the landlord keep the entire deposit?

The landlord must document a valid claim. If only part of the deposit is disputed, the parties can agree to release the remaining amount.

Can the deposit be used to cover normal wear and tear?

Normally, no. The tenant is not responsible for ordinary deterioration caused by normal use and the age of the property.

What happens to the interest?

The interest belongs to the tenant and is paid together with the tenant’s share of the deposit.

What if the landlord claims that I damaged the property?

Ask for a written explanation, photographs and evidence of the amount claimed. If the parties cannot agree, the landlord must normally submit the case to the Rent Disputes Tribunal or a court to prevent payment.

Can the bank decide who is right?

No. The bank administers the deposit account and follows the payment rules. A dispute about the claim itself must be resolved by the parties, the Rent Disputes Tribunal or a court.

A smooth settlement starts before moving out

The best way to prevent conflict is to document the property at both move-in and move-out, communicate in writing and clarify possible claims as early as possible.

A legal deposit remains protected until the parties agree or the dispute has been resolved through the correct process.

Do you need help with your deposit solution?

Book a meeting with Emma to learn how Keyhole Secure can make deposit management easier from move-in to move-out.