Avoid Surprises: Check-in & Rules for Norway Apartments 🔑

Rental apartments are the most flexible accommodation option in Norway, offering a kitchen, washing machine and prices 20-30% lower than hotels. But behind the scenes of a cosy living room, there are some nuances to discover: code locks without reception desks, sudden charges for bed linen, "quiet hours" that are stricter than in hotels, and a deposit that is held on your card for more than a week. This guide answers 10 frequently asked questions from guests, including how to get into the apartment if your flight is delayed after 11 p.m., why the host asks for a photo of your passport, when cleaning is charged and whether it is possible to get your deposit back faster.

We're delighted to announce that the information was collected in May–July 2025 based on the rules of Airbnb, Booking (category "Entire Apartment"), the Forenom network, and consultations with lawyers from NHO Reiseliv.

🔐 What are the different check-in options, and when will you receive the codes?

In 85% of cases, guests use a Yale/Salto electronic lock to check in on their own. The code is sent by email or text 24 hours before they arrive. If you don't get the code, please contact the host via chat or the platform's support service. Forenom and Citybox Apart set the PIN code as the last 4 digits of the phone number, which is activated from 3 p.m. on the day of arrival. Please check the time zone on your phone as SMS messages may be delayed.

🌙 What should I do if I arrive late at night?

You can check in whenever you like, but please keep the noise down in the entrance hall between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. — we don't want to upset our neighbours! If the apartment has an old key safe, find out the code in advance and bring a torch. After midnight, the number you need to call to get help is redirected to Finland – this means you will be charged for the call. It is better to send a message to WhatsApp instead.

🛂📸 Is it legal for them to ask for a photo of your passport?

Yes, the Tourist Registration Act says that you must give ID and the host must keep your data for 21 days. You just need to send a photo of the first page of your passport; you don't need to include your tax ID number. Send it via the platform's chat — this way, the photo is encrypted (made unreadable) and deleted when the booking is archived.

💳 Deposit: how much is blocked and when will it be returned?

The standard amount is 1,000–3,000 NOK, and this is blocked 1–2 days before arrival. Airbnb automatically unfreezes the deposit 14 days after departure, while Booking unfreezes it upon the host's request within 7 days. If you need a refund quickly, ask the host to "release hold" as soon as you've checked the accommodation (see the chat for a photo report). Revolut/WISE cards are available to use more quickly than cards from traditional banks.

🛏️ Bed linen and towels: are they included?

In most city apartments in Oslo and Bergen, bed linen and towels are provided. There is an extra charge of 100–150 NOK/person for ultra-budget options and houses in Lofoten. Look at the "linen fee" item in the description. If you are bringing your own linen, let the host know in advance so that they can exclude the fee.

When is it necessary to do the final clean?

Cleaning is almost always required and is listed separately. For a studio, it costs 300–600 NOK, and for a 2-bedroom apartment, it costs 700–900 NOK. Airbnb shows the full price right away, while Booking may add it at the final step. To save money, look for the "cleaning included" filter or agree on a "long stay" (7 nights or more) — many hosts will not charge a cleaning fee.

Quiet hours and noise penalties.

Typical quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends. If you break the rules, your neighbours will call the noise patrol and you'll be fined 1,500–2,500 NOK, which will be taken from your deposit. Hotels are more relaxed about this, but in apartment buildings, the rules are stricter: even loud door closing can be reported.

What should you watch out for when it comes to smoking, candles and smells?

Smoking is not allowed inside any of the apartments. It is only allowed on the balcony, but the door must be closed. Please note that candles are not allowed in all apartments because of the fire alarms. You might not be allowed to cook strong-smelling foods (like crab or halibut) and you could be fined up to NOK 4,000 for "deep smell cleaning". Use the extractor fan at full power and air the room out.

🅿️ Parking and rubbish: what you need to know.

Parking is rarely included in the price: underground parking costs 250–350 NOK per day; street parking starts at 35 NOK per hour. You must sort your waste: Rest, plastic, paper, glass/metal. If the management company finds a "mixed bag", they will charge 200 NOK, which will be taken from the deposit.

📄 How do I get an invoice or Tax Free?

In Norway, apartments are usually managed by individuals who don't have an MVA number, so there is no full VAT invoice. The service company (Forenom) will send you an invoice in PDF format within five working days. You cannot get tax-free refunds for accommodation. You cannot get back VAT for accommodation services for tax purposes.

Apartments offer you the freedom to cook and entertain in your own space, but they do require a little attention to detail. Make sure you get the lock code just in time, agree on the linen, observe the quiet hours and sort your rubbish — that way you can avoid fines and conflicts!

Get ready for the best trip of your life – book flexible rates, keep your receipts, and share your tips for a hassle-free stay in Norway in the comments!