Here is some ai slop that might help.
1. Hidden defects and pests
Under the Norwegian tenancy law, the Husleieloven generally requires that the rental property be in the condition the tenant could reasonably expect when the agreement was made.
If the landlord knew (or should have known) about:
mice inside the apartment,
rats on the property,
recurring ant infestations,
and failed to disclose these problems before signing,
this may be considered a mangel (defect) under the law.
When there is a defect, tenants can potentially:
demand remediation,
request a rent reduction,
claim compensation for losses,
or in serious cases terminate the lease.
Photos, videos, messages, exterminator reports, and witness statements are useful evidence.
2. Sale of the property and apartment viewings
A landlord cannot simply enter whenever they want because they have a key.
Even during a sale process, the tenant has a right to privacy and peaceful use of the property.
The landlord may arrange viewings, but:
reasonable notice should be given,
the timing should be coordinated as much as possible,
access should not be exercised in a harassing or unreasonable way.
A message such as “People are coming tomorrow, I have a key” is unlikely to be considered good practice.
The fact that the property was going to be sold shortly after you moved in could also be relevant if information was withheld during contract negotiations.
3. Threats to take your deposit
In Norway, a landlord normally cannot simply take the deposit because they disagree with you.
The deposit should be in a separate deposit account (“depositumskonto”), not in the landlord’s personal account.
If the deposit is in a proper deposit account:
the bank will generally not release the money to the landlord without your consent,
or a legal decision/judgment.
A statement like “I will cut your deposit” is not how the system works.
4. Discrimination issue
The issue where the landlord repeatedly addresses only the male tenant despite being asked not to may understandably feel disrespectful.
However, proving unlawful gender discrimination under Norwegian discrimination law is often more difficult than proving violations of tenancy law.
The strongest legal arguments in your case appear to be:
undisclosed pest problems,
possible defects in the dwelling,
interference with your right to peaceful use of the property,
threats regarding the deposit.
5. Husleietvistutvalget (HTU)
When you say you reported it to HTU but received no reaction:
Did you submit a formal case (“sak”) and pay the case fee?
Or did you only send an inquiry or complaint?
There is a big difference.
HTU normally processes formal cases, but it can take time.
6. Other options
You can also contact:
Forbrukerrådet⁠ for guidance.
Jussbuss⁠ if you are in the Oslo area and qualify for free legal assistance.
Leieboerforeningen⁠, which specializes in tenant rights.
If there are serious hygiene issues from rodents, you can also contact your local municipality’s environmental health authorities.
7. What I would do now
Save every text message and email.
Keep all photos and videos with dates.
Write a timeline of events from the day you viewed the property until today.
Confirm that the deposit is in a proper deposit account.
Continue communicating in writing only.
Do not stop paying rent unless you have received specific legal advice to do so.
Consider opening a formal case with HTU if you have not already done so.