Housing allowance for private shared housing
As a general rule, you are not eligible for housing allowance if you live in shared accommodation. However, there is an exception if you live in shared accommodation for health or social care reasons.
This exception may apply, for example, to refugees, people who need housing-related support services, or others with specific needs.
If this applies to you, you must complete both the housing allowance application form and the shared accommodation form, which you can find at the bottom of this page.
If you rent privately in shared accommodation, you must provide the name of a contact person at your municipality on the shared accommodation form. This person should know your situation well and must be able to confirm that you live in shared accommodation for health or social care reasons.
If you do not have a contact person at your municipality, you must include confirmation from your doctor, psychologist or another healthcare professional who can confirm that you live in shared accommodation for health or social care reasons.
In addition, the shared accommodation must be in an approved property that is suitable for shared living.
You may NOT apply for housing allowance for shared housing if:
- you live with a partner or some other close family member; in that case everyone in the household must be included in the application
- you are a student without any children; in that case you are not entitled to housing allowance, even if you live in shared housing. There is an exception for students whose course is part of a publicly funded back-to-work programme
Application forms
- Application form for housing allowance in Norwegian (PDF)
- Private shared housing – additional form in Norwegian (PDF)
Both forms must be sent to your municipality, or your borough if you live in Oslo.
You cannot submit your application by ordinary email. Print the completed forms and send them by post. If your municipality offers secure digital mail, you can submit your application electronically instead. Check your municipality's website to see if this service is available.
Need help?
If you have any questions about housing allowance or need assistance, please contact your municipality.