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Resources › The justice system › Consumer and tenancy disputes

Disagreeing with a shop, tradesman or landlord: where to complain

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

Something wrong with a product or service? Complain in writing to the seller first, then go further via the Consumer Authority and the Consumer Complaints Board. A conflict with a landlord or tenant goes to the Rent Disputes Tribunal.

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 17 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

If you have bought something that does not work, received a service that was not as agreed, or ended up in a conflict with your landlord, there are special places to complain that are simpler and cheaper than going to court.

Something wrong with a product or service

According to the Norwegian Consumer Council's complaint guide (Forbrukerrådet), you go about it like this:

  1. Complain to the seller as soon as you can, preferably in writing. Explain what is wrong, and what you want to happen. The Consumer Council has a template for complaint letters on its website. Keep receipts and agreements.
  2. If the seller rejects the complaint, you can take the case further to the Consumer Authority's mediation department (Forbrukertilsynet).
  3. If mediation does not resolve the case, it can be taken further to the Consumer Complaints Board (Forbrukerklageutvalget).

Some industries have their own complaints boards. The Consumer Council's page "Her klager du" shows where your case belongs.

If the dispute is with a private person, or you get no further, the case can also go to the conciliation board.

Conflict between tenant and landlord

According to the Rent Disputes Tribunal (Husleietvistutvalget, HTU), a conflict in a tenancy of a home must be handled by them. HTU has an overview of common disagreements on its website.

  • HTU also gives neutral guidance to both tenants and landlords about renting a home.
  • The case is resolved through mediation, or decided by a ruling.
  • You complain via HTU's website.
  • It can take time. According to HTU, it may take about 11 months before they start processing, because they have many cases.

Read about costs and what to enclose on HTU's website before you send the complaint.

Tip: Write down what was agreed, take photos of faults and defects, and save messages and e-mails. It makes the case much easier, wherever it ends up. If you have a low income, see free legal aid and the free legal aid services listed there.

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.