Some listings are free — no fees, no payout.
We provide free access to Kontorbytte for selected non-profit organizations, incubators, and partners who help build the startup ecosystem in Norway. When a space is published through one of them, it is marked *Free*. This means no referral fee to the landlord and no payout to the tenant — neither when the agreement is signed nor later. We take this on trust because we believe in the work they do. If you run an organization that fits this description and want to become a partner, get in touch.
What does it cost to use Kontorbytte?
We are in an early phase, and everything is free right now. The final pricing model will be developed together with those of you who join from the start.
How we calculate
The referral fee starts at 3 weeks' rent and is paid by the landlord. Self-reporting gives a discount and kickback.
| Landlord reports? | Tenant reports? | Landlord pays | Tenant receives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | 2 weeks' rent | 1 week's rent |
| Yes | No | 2 weeks' rent | 0 |
| No | Yes | 3 weeks' rent | 1 week's rent |
| No | No | 3 weeks' rent | 0 |
The amount is based on net rent — common costs, electricity and parking are not included. Self-reporting must be done within 31 days after move-in.
Why an honor model?
We give both landlord and tenant a reason to report — one saves one week's rent, the other earns one week's rent. That's enough. We avoid control mechanisms, and you get a transparent pricing model.
2026 launch cap
The referral fee is capped at NOK 25,000 per week in 2026. This means a 3-week invoice never exceeds NOK 75,000 — regardless of how high the rent is. A gift during the launch phase while we build up the inventory.
Compared to traditional brokers
Brokers typically charge 1 month's rent or 8–12% of the first year's rent. We charge 2–3 weeks' rent. For a property with 100,000 kr/month in rent, that's the difference between 100,000 and 50,000 kroner — you save half, and the tenant gets one week's rent back.
The fine print
The model only applies to agreements made with help from Kontorbytte — meaning where the landlord and tenant were first connected via our platform. Agreements made entirely outside of us are outside the model.
We pay out to the tenant only after the landlord has paid us. If the landlord does not settle, we have no obligation to pay out the tenant's share. So you cannot count that one week's rent as received until we have received the referral fee.
Would you like to help shape the pricing model?
Register a search or a listing — and we'll get in touch when it's time to talk about pricing.
Pricing questions
Does this apply to every deal we sign?
No — the model only applies to deals where the landlord and tenant were first connected through Kontorbytte. Deals you find entirely on your own, or through another channel, fall outside our model. There's no referral fee and no payout in that case.
What if the counterparty doesn't report?
You still get your discount or payout. But you both miss the chance to confirm the amount together — so we keep it simple for both sides.
What counts as rent?
Bare rent. We don't include common services, electricity, parking, or other add-ons in the calculation.
When do I get paid as a tenant?
Once the landlord has paid us — typically 30–60 days after move-in. We send you a Purchase Order, you invoice us, and we pay. If the landlord doesn't pay, we have no obligation to pay the tenant their share — our model is built around receiving the referral fee first.
What if you got the rent figure wrong?
We send a referral notice before the actual invoice — you have 14 days to reply with the correct amount.
What about VAT?
25% B2B on the referral fee.
Why do you trust people?
Because it works. We give both landlord and tenant a reason to report — one saves a week's rent, the other earns a week's rent. That's enough.
What is a free listing?
We provide free access to Kontorbytte for selected non-profits, incubators, and partners building the Norwegian startup community. Properties published through them are clearly marked *Free*. There's no referral fee for the landlord and no payout to the tenant. We still appreciate it if you report the deal — it helps us see the model is working, and it costs you nothing.
How do I know if a listing is free?
It says *Free* on the listing itself, and we confirm it again by email if you report a deal on such a property. You won't be surprised by an invoice.