Renting out your cabin — rules and tips

In Norway, you can rent out your holiday home tax-free up to NOK 10,000 per year. For income above this amount, 85 percent of the surplus is taxed as capital income. This means the first NOK 10,000 is completely tax-free, while the excess is taxed at an effective rate of around 18.7 percent. Remember to report rental income in your tax return and keep documentation for all expenses related to the rental, such as electricity, cleaning, insurance, and maintenance. These expenses can be deducted from gross rental income to reduce the tax base. Always check the latest rates on the Norwegian Tax Administration website, as rules may change.

The most popular platforms for cabin rental in Scandinavia are Airbnb, Booking.com, FINN.no, and Novasol. Airbnb is the largest internationally and offers good exposure to foreign guests. FINN.no dominates the Norwegian market and works especially well for Norwegian tenants. Booking.com suits cabins with a high standard that can compete with hotels. Novasol offers full management where they handle everything from marketing to key handover. Choose a platform based on who you want as guests and how much work you are willing to do yourself. Many cabin owners use multiple platforms simultaneously, but be careful to synchronize calendars to avoid double bookings.

First impressions mean everything when renting out. Ensure the cabin is spotlessly clean, that bed linen and towels are freshly laundered, and that the kitchen is fully equipped with what guests need. Create a welcome folder with information about the cabin, the local area, WiFi password, waste management, and emergency numbers. Professional photos can significantly increase bookings — consider hiring a photographer. Remove personal belongings and valuables, and lock them in a cupboard guests cannot access. Establish clear house rules about smoking, pets, noise, and check-in and check-out times. A small welcome package with local specialties like coffee, chocolate, or fruit adds a personal touch that guests appreciate and often mention in their reviews.

Standard holiday home insurance usually does not cover rental use, so it is crucial to notify your insurance company if you plan to rent out. Most companies offer additional coverage or dedicated rental insurance that covers damage caused by guests, break-ins, and liability. Airbnb has its own host protection that covers up to one million dollars in damage, but this should be seen as a supplement, not a replacement for your own insurance. Check whether your policy covers loss of rental income if damage makes the cabin uninhabitable. Document the cabin s condition with photos before and after each rental period, and consider taking a deposit to cover minor damages. Good insurance terms provide peace of mind and make the rental experience more worry-free for all parties.