Housing
Deposit disputes and the huslejenaevn, cheap, fast, tenant-friendly
The one-line versionIf a landlord withholds your deposit unfairly, the rent tribunal (huslejenaevn) settles it for a small fee - around DKK 367 in 2026 - and rules in tenants favour when the rules were broken.
What the huslejenaevn is
The huslejenaevn is a local rent tribunal that resolves landlord-tenant disputes - deposit deductions above all. It is deliberately cheap and accessible, and it heavily favours tenants when a landlord has broken the rules (excessive deductions, missed inspections, charging for normal wear). You do not need a lawyer.
Cost and process
- Fee: around DKK 367 to file (2026). If the landlord loses, they may pay a penalty to the scheme.
- File at your local municipality's huslejenaevn with your lease, move-in and move-out reports, photos and correspondence.
- Timeline: decisions typically take 2-4 months.
- Appeal: to the housing court (Boligretten) within 4 weeks; in Copenhagen via Ankenaevnet first.
The filing fee is the best money you'll spendAt around DKK 367, filing costs a fraction of a disputed deposit. Tenants win the majority of deposit cases, especially where the landlord skipped a required inspection or charged for normal wear. If you are in the right, file.
Before you file
- Send the landlord a written demand giving 14 days to return the deposit or justify deductions.
- Gather your dated move-in photos, the signed move-in and move-out reports, and the lease.
- If unresolved, file with the huslejenaevn - attach everything.
Your evidence is your caseThe tribunal decides on documents. Dated move-in photos and signed reports are what win. If the landlord owns 2+ units and skipped the required inspection, they generally cannot deduct anything but unpaid rent - flag it.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file?
Around DKK 367 in 2026 - small relative to most disputed deposits, and the landlord may face a penalty if they lose.
How long does it take?
Typically 2-4 months for a decision, which is binding unless appealed to Boligretten within 4 weeks.
Do tenants usually win?
In deposit disputes, tenants win the majority - especially when the landlord broke inspection rules or charged for normal wear.
Verified July 2026 against official sources: the Danish Rent Act (Lejeloven), lifeindenmark.borger.dk and huslejenaevn guidance. Costs are 2026 estimates and vary by home, provider and municipality. General information, not legal advice - see our editorial policy.