Renting out gets less stressful when the routines are agreed before the tenant moves in. Seven steps make the biggest difference: a clean contract, a credit assessment of the tenant, the right deposit solution, clear house rules, digital administration, documented move-in and move-out, and good communication from day one.
Most disputes in a tenancy come down to the same two things: unclear expectations and missing documentation. Both can be settled in advance, and doing so takes less time than clearing up afterwards.
In short:
- Use a standardised tenancy agreement, and sign it digitally.
- Assess the tenant’s ability to pay before signing.
- Agree the security early, as a deposit account or a guarantee.
- Put the house rules in writing, and have both parties sign them.
- Document move-in and move-out with photographs and a protocol.
- Keep communication professional and in writing throughout the tenancy.
- If you disagree, either party can bring the case to Husleietvistutvalget.
1. Keep the paperwork in order, and know your tenant
A good start is the cheapest insurance you have. It comes down to both parties knowing what applies, in writing.
- Use a standardised tenancy agreement rather than your own template.
- Assess the tenant’s ability to pay before signing.
- Agree what financial security will be provided, and for what amount.
A credit assessment gives you facts instead of a gut feeling. It does not replace judgement, but it means you know the starting point before you sign.
With Keyhole you get an overview of your tenancies and the security each tenant has provided, and a credit assessment can be combined with the guarantee in the same flow.
2. Set clear expectations, and get them signed
House rules belong in every tenancy, including a single rental home. The clearer the rules, the fewer discussions later.
Cover the things that actually cause disagreement:
- Cleaning responsibilities and shared routines
- Noise, pets and use of shared areas
- Subletting and overnight guests
- What happens if the rules are broken
Write a separate document the tenant signs alongside the contract. Then the documentation is ready if something has to be raised later.
3. Choose the right security before move-in
The security should be agreed before the tenant gets the keys, and the form should be stated clearly in the tenancy agreement.
There are two forms, and they can be combined:
- Deposit account: the tenant’s own money is held blocked in an account in the tenant’s name.
- Deposit guarantee: a third party provides security for an agreed amount on the tenant’s behalf.
Deposit and guarantee combined cannot exceed six months’ rent. A cash deposit must be held in a lawful, blocked deposit account in the tenant’s name, and the landlord covers the cost of opening the account.
Before accepting a guarantee, read the terms and check who provides it, what amount it covers, which claims are included, how long it is valid, and what deadline you have for submitting a claim.
4. Use a digital administration system
Overview is what keeps renting out calm. When contracts, payments and documentation sit in one place, you stop searching through email whenever something needs settling.
Look for these features:
- Automatic rent collection and reminders
- Tenancy agreements with BankID signing
- An overview of tenants, documents and security
- The ability to document handover and move-out with photographs and checklists
- A messaging function that keeps the dialogue together and traceable
5. Take ownership of move-in and move-out
The transitions are where disagreements start. What was already damaged? What has to be cleaned? What has to be handed back?
Build a fixed routine, and use it every time:
- A handover protocol at move-in, with photographs and signatures from both parties.
- A move-out list with clear cleaning and handback requirements, sent in good time.
- A final inspection where you walk through the home together and document what you find.
- A written summary of what will be deducted from the deposit or submitted as a claim, with a deadline.
If you disagree, both you and the tenant can bring the case to Husleietvistutvalget, the public body for tenancy disputes.
6. Offer a flexible deposit solution
In a tight rental market it pays to keep the applicant pool wide. Many stable tenants have their savings tied up elsewhere, and drop out when the full deposit has to be in an account before move-in.
Giving the tenant the choice between a deposit account and a deposit guarantee opens the door to a larger group of applicants and fills empty homes faster.
What the landlord gets:
- More suitable tenants to choose from
- Less time with the home standing empty
- A profile as a modern and flexible landlord
- Security still set out in the tenancy agreement, with the amount and terms described
If the tenant chooses a guarantee, remember that the tenant remains responsible for valid claims. If the provider pays a claim to you, the provider directs that claim at the tenant.
7. Build good relationships from day one
Renting out is a business, and it is also a relationship between people. Good relationships mean fewer conflicts, longer tenancies and less time spent on turnover.
- Send a welcome message and a short information sheet at move-in.
- Be available during the first weeks, that is when the questions come.
- Reply in writing, and keep the dialogue in the administration system.
- Raise small matters early, while they are still small.
The best tenancies are the ones where both parties communicate well and respect each other’s time and property.
Frequently asked questions
How much security can a landlord require?
Deposit and guarantee combined cannot exceed six months’ rent.
Can I ask the tenant to pay the deposit into my own account?
No. A cash deposit must be held in a lawful, blocked deposit account in the tenant’s name.
Do I have to accept a deposit guarantee?
You decide which security is required. A guarantee can replace a cash deposit when you and the tenant agree to it.
Can I run a credit assessment on the tenant before signing?
Yes, with a legitimate basis connected to the tenancy and in line with data protection rules. The tenant has to be informed, and receives a copy of the result.
What do I do if the tenant stops paying rent?
Get in touch in writing straight away and agree a solution. If that does not work, you can submit a claim against the security within the applicable deadline, and bring the case to Husleietvistutvalget.
Who covers the cost of opening a deposit account?
The landlord covers the cost of opening the account.
What does a documented routine cost?
Less than a dispute. A handover protocol with photographs takes half an hour, and it usually settles who is right when the tenancy ends.
Get started
Are you a landlord?
Book a free, no-obligation call with Emma to see how you can bring the contract, the credit assessment and the deposit into one place.
Are you a tenant?
Ask your landlord whether a deposit account or a deposit guarantee is available for your tenancy.
Sources
- Tenancy Act § 3-5
- Tenancy Act § 3-6
- Husleietvistutvalget: Deposit and guarantee
- Husleietvistutvalget: About us
- Datatilsynet: Credit assessment
- Keyhole Secure
- Keyhole Guarantee
