Norway Minister proposes new regulations for short-term rentals

Norway's Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Bjørnar Skjæran, has announced that the government is working on a legislative proposal to regulate short-term rentals. The new rules are expected to be sent for public consultation this autumn.

The proposal follows concerns from municipalities and local neighborhoods regarding “shadow hotels,” where residential buildings are used for professional short-term rentals. An investigation by E24 identified nearly 70 properties in Norway's largest cities showing characteristics of professional short-term rental operations, linked to over 300 Airbnb advertisements.

Local community groups, such as “Redd Bergen!” in Bergen, have expressed frustration over the loss of permanent neighbors as family homes are converted into rental units. While some political figures have criticized the government for slow action, Skjæran stated that the department is working intensively to provide municipalities with stronger tools, including the potential ability to prohibit short-term rentals in certain areas.