Introduction

At OH-Stay.com, we have compiled this resource to assist our hosts in understanding their responsibilities and to offer a general overview of the legal, regulatory, and practical considerations pertinent to hosting. Hosts are required to adhere to our Hosting Standards and to ensure full compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to their specific location and situation. Please note that this article is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal or tax advice. We advise hosts to conduct their own due diligence, as the information provided may not be updated in real time. Ultimate responsibility for verifying, interpreting, and complying with all information presented herein rests with the host.

Table of contents

Health and Cleanliness
Local Regulations
National Taxes
Regulations and Permissions
Safety
Good Manners
Insurance
Other Hosting Information

Health and Cleanliness

Information about OH-Stay.com's cleaning protocols can be found in our Responsible Hosting Guide.

Key recommendations on cleaning in Norway
• General guidance on COVID-19 and public health measures: Norwegian Government / Helsenorge, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH).
• Technical guidance on non-pharmaceutical measures and cleaning protocols: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), EU Guidance for health protocols in hospitality.
• Practical turnaround/ventilation timing after illness: CDC – Cleaning & Disinfection.

National taxes

Tax is a complex topic. Your own tax obligations can vary based on your particular circumstances, so we recommend that you research your obligations or consult a tax professional to get more specific information.

In general, the money you earn as a Host on OH-Stay.com is considered taxable income which may be subject to different taxes like rental tax, income tax, or VAT (MVA). You can review deadlines and guidance with the Norwegian Tax Administration (Skatteetaten). For most individuals, the tax return deadline is 30 April each year; see Tax return – deadline and extensions and Apply for an extended deadline for details.

Norway host data reporting
Norwegian regulations require platforms to report certain transaction information to the Tax Administration. Hosts may be asked to provide identification and listing details (e.g., national ID/D-number/organisation number and property address) so reporting is accurate. See Skatteetaten: platform reporting & guidance and information pages on VAT/MVA for context.

Regulations and Permissions

It’s important to make sure you’re allowed to host on your property. Some examples of restrictions include contracts, laws, and community rules. Check with a lawyer or local authority to learn more about regulations, restrictions, and obligations specific to your circumstances. You can use the general info in this article as a starting point around hosting regulations and permissions.

Short-term rental legislation
Norway’s national rules distinguish between different housing forms:

• Condominiums (sameier): By default, short-term letting of an entire unit is limited to 90 nights per year, unless the building’s bylaws set a different limit between 60 and 120 nights. See Eierseksjonsloven (Lovdata) and the government’s explanation here.
• Housing cooperatives (borettslag): Owners have a right to short-term let (day/week basis) up to 30 days per year without board approval; additional rules may apply in the cooperative’s bylaws. See Burettslagslova (Lovdata) and guidance from the government here.

Always check your building’s bylaws and local municipal rules before hosting.

Contractual agreements and permits
Sometimes leases, contracts, building regulations, and community rules have restrictions against subletting or hosting. Review any contracts you’ve signed or contact your landlord, community council, or other authority. You might be able to add an addendum to your lease or contract that clarifies responsibilities and liabilities for all parties.

Mortgage restrictions
If your property has a mortgage (or any form of loan), check with the lender to make sure that there aren’t restrictions against subletting or hosting.

Subsidized housing restrictions
Subsidized housing usually has rules that prohibit subletting without permission. Check with your housing authority or housing association if you live in a subsidized housing community and are interested in becoming a Host.

Housemates
If you share your home with others, consider making a formal agreement with your housemates to outline expectations (how often you plan to host, guest etiquette, revenue sharing, etc.).

Misuse
We’ll take appropriate action if anyone notifies us of potential misuse. We have guidelines to help local authorities report housing misuse.

Safety

We care about the safety of Hosts and their guests. You can improve your guests’ peace of mind by providing a few simple preparations like emergency instructions and noting any potential hazards.

Emergency contact information
Include a contact list with the following phone numbers:
• Local emergency numbers
• The number for the nearest hospital
• Your contact number
• A number for a backup contact (in case guests can’t reach you)
You can also communicate with guests using messages on OH-Stay.com as a safe alternative.

Medical supplies
Keep a first aid kit and tell your guests where it is. Check it regularly so you can restock supplies if they run out.

Fire prevention
If you have gas appliances, follow any applicable gas safety regulations and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Provide a fire extinguisher and remember to maintain it regularly.

Exits
Ensure you have a clearly marked fire escape route. Post a map of the route so it’s easy for guests to see.

Hazard prevention
• Inspect your home to identify any areas where guests might trip or fall
• Remove the hazards you identify or mark them clearly
• Fix any exposed wires
• Make sure your stairs are safe and have railings
• Remove or lock up any objects that may be dangerous to your guests

Child safety
Some guests travel with young family members and need to understand if your home is right for them. You can use the Additional notes section of Listing details in your OH-Stay.com account to indicate potential hazards or indicate that your home isn’t suitable for children and infants.

Climate control
Working appliances, like furnaces and air conditioners, can greatly affect your guests’ comfort during their stay.
• Make sure your home is properly ventilated
• Provide instructions on how to safely use the heater and air conditioning
• Check that the thermostat is working correctly and make sure that guests know where to find it
• Service the appliances regularly

Occupancy limits
Establish safe occupancy limits. Your local government may have guidelines.

Courtesy (Good Manners)

Part of being a responsible Host is helping your guests understand best practices for interacting with your community. When you communicate local rules and customs with your guests, you’re helping to create a great experience for everyone.

Building rules
If your building has common spaces or shared amenities, let guests know the rules for those places. Provide written instructions for rubbish sorting and recycling where applicable.

House rules
You can include your house rules in the Additional notes section of Listing details in your OH-Stay.com account. Guests usually appreciate it when you share your expectations with them upfront.

Neighbors
It’s usually a good idea to let your neighbors know if you’re planning to host. This gives them the chance to let you know if they have any concerns or considerations.

Noise
Guests book through OH-Stay.com for lots of reasons, including vacations and celebrations. Let your guests know how noise impacts neighbors early on for a smoother experience.
If you’re concerned about disturbances, consider:
• Implementing quiet hours
• Not allowing pets
• Indicating that your listing isn’t suitable for children or infants
• Prohibiting parties and additional unregistered guests

Parking
Communicate any parking rules for your building and neighborhood to your guests. Examples:
• Only park in an assigned space
• Street cleaning days/times
• Overnight street parking windows

Pets
First, check your lease or building rules to make sure there isn’t a restriction on pets. If you allow pets, share local exercise areas, waste-disposal guidance, and a backup plan (e.g., a nearby kennel).

Privacy
Always respect your guests’ privacy. Review our expectations on surveillance devices and be mindful of any additional local regulations.

Smoking
If you don't allow smoking, post signs to remind guests. If you do allow smoking, provide ashtrays in designated areas.

Insurance

Work with your insurance agent or carrier to determine what kind of obligations, limits, and coverage are required for your specific circumstances. We strongly encourage all Hosts to review and understand the terms of their insurance policy coverage. Not all insurance plans will cover damage or loss of property caused by a guest who books your accommodation.

Liability and basic coverage
Review your homeowner’s or renter’s policy with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure your listing has adequate liability coverage and property protection.

Important: Hosts are solely responsible for their conduct and compliance. OH-Stay.com does not control individual host behaviour and is not liable for their actions. Non-compliance may result in suspension or removal. OH-Stay.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information on third-party sites linked in this resource.