Housing Information

The labyrinth of limited property options, high monthly rents, property sizes and a fast-moving market all make this experience quite possibly the most challenging aspect of your relocation to Denmark. Rental contracts, house rules, tenant and landlord responsibilities, move-in inspections, termination clauses, deposits, sign up for utilities, etc. the list goes on, and all in Danish!
Numerous websites are advertising rental properties, both private and public. Public websites referring to certified and authorised rental property agencies. Private referring to those which you must pay to be a member.

Terms:

When you have found your apartment in Denmark and agree verbally that this is the one for you. The verbal “yes” is regarded as valid and legal binding for both parties and virtually as good as a written go ahead. This is the reason why it is prohibited to say yes to more than one apartment at a time.

There are two norms in Denmark when renting an apartment. They are called ‘Newly Renovated’ and ‘Taken as Seen’. Newly renovated is most often used for unfurnished apartments and Taken as Seen most applies to furnished units. The difference can mean getting your deposit back or not.

Deposit, up-front payment:

Normally a deposit equivalent to 3 months rent is payable on signing the lease plus first month’s rent, equivalent to 4 months rent up front to secure the property. The deposit worth three/3 months will be refunded at the end of the lease, provided the property is left in good condition (as per the contract), otherwise the cost of painting, repairs etc. is deducted from the deposit and only the balance refunded.

 Move-In report

On the day of your takeover of your accommodation a professional move-in a report should be conducted documenting the state of the property, this report will be used to decide what needs to be done in the property when moving out.

Diplomatic Clause

Normally one is locked for the first year, but as an expat things could change quite quickly. We therefore recommend you try getting a diplomatic clause added into your tenancy agreement.

Responsibilities

Landlord:

In Denmark the landlord will as a rule only pay for things which are not working if it can be proven that the tenant did not cause the damage in any way. Most often the apartment should be handed back in the exact same way as when moved in to.

Tenant:

In Denmark the tenant is expected to look after a lot of things themselves. In houses the garden and sidewalk in front of the house will also be part of the tenant’s responsibilities. This includes gardening and snow clearing. Final cleaning of apartment windows can be deducted from the deposit. This is legally ok according the Danish Rental Law.

Utilities and some obligatory cost to consider

• Water and heating

• Electricity

• Media-license

• Internet

• Phone

• Sewage and official fees

  Call us if you need further information!