How to Move In and Move Out of a Danish Apartment — Inspection Guide

How to Move In and Move Out

Updated By exploringdenmark

The move-in and move-out inspections determine whether you get your deposit back. Danish landlords are meticulous about apartment condition. Understanding the inspection process — and documenting everything — is your strongest protection.

MOVE IN✓ Photo every room✓ Note existing damage✓ Sign inspection report✓ Email photos to yourself LIVEReport issues MOVE OUT✓ Deep clean✓ Repair minor damage✓ Attend final inspection✓ Return all keys Documentation at move-in protects your deposit at move-out

Overview

Danish tenancy law gives landlords the right to inspect the apartment at move-in and move-out. The move-in report (indflytningsrapport) establishes the baseline condition. The move-out inspection (fraflytningssyn) determines what has changed and whether deductions from your deposit are justified.

Move-in inspection

Your landlord should conduct an inspection on or around your move-in date. They document the condition of every room: walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, windows, bathroom fixtures, and any pre-existing damage. You should receive a copy of this report.

If there is no move-in inspection

This works in your favour. Without documented baseline condition, the landlord has a much weaker case for deposit deductions. But don’t rely on this — create your own evidence (see below).

What to document on day one

Photograph every room

Take wide-angle photos and close-ups of: walls (scuffs, nail holes, paint condition), floors (scratches, stains), kitchen (appliances, countertops, inside cabinets), bathroom (grout, fixtures, sealant), windows (frames, handles), doors (scratches, handles).

Photograph pre-existing damage

Zoom in on any scratches, marks, stains, broken handles, or wear. These are the items a landlord might try to charge you for later.

Record the date

Email the photos to yourself immediately — this creates a timestamped record. Alternatively, use a cloud backup with date metadata. The date proves the condition was pre-existing.

Note everything in writing

Write a list of defects and email it to your landlord on day one: “I have noted the following existing conditions:…” This creates a paper trail even if the landlord does not respond.

During your tenancy

  • Report maintenance issues promptly — in writing (email). This protects you from being blamed for damage that worsened because you did not report it.
  • Normal wear and tear is your right. Slight scuff marks, minor nail holes, and normal paint aging are expected and cannot be deducted from your deposit.
  • Keep the apartment reasonably clean and ventilated to prevent mould (a common issue in Danish apartments).

The move-out process

Give notice

Standard: 3 months from end of the month. Check your lease for your specific terms.

Deep clean the apartment

Danish cleaning standards at move-out are high. Clean: inside all cupboards, oven (inside and outside), fridge/freezer (defrosted), windows (inside), bathroom (grout, behind toilet), floors (washed, not just vacuumed), light fixtures, and all surfaces.

Repair minor damage

Fill nail holes with filler and touch up paint if your lease requires it (check §11). Remove all personal items including hooks, shelves, and adhesive strips.

Attend the move-out inspection

The landlord must invite you to the inspection. Attend in person. Walk through every room together. Dispute anything you disagree with on the spot. Do not sign anything you do not agree with — you can note “disagreed” next to specific items.

Return all keys

Return every key and access card. Get written confirmation of key return. Lost keys can result in a lock change charge (1,000–3,000 DKK).

What “clean” means in Denmark

Danish move-out cleaning expectations are higher than many countries. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service (~1,500–3,000 DKK for a typical apartment). Many tenants do this as insurance — it is cheaper than the deductions a landlord will make for insufficient cleaning. Keep the receipt as proof.

The move-out inspection

The landlord must send you a claims list (kravliste) within 2 weeks of the inspection. If they miss this deadline, they may lose the right to make deductions. The claims list must specify: what is being claimed, the amount, and whether it is damage or normal maintenance.

Deposit disputes

If you disagree with deductions: first, respond in writing with your objections. Reference your move-in photos. If the landlord does not budge, file with Huslejenævnet (Rent Board) — costs ~300 DKK and they are tenant-friendly. See the deposits guide for the full dispute process.

Common problems

The landlord charged for “normal wear”

Illegal. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted. Challenge through Huslejenævnet with your move-in photos as evidence.

I was not invited to the move-out inspection

The landlord is required to invite you. If they did not, their ability to make deductions is significantly weakened. Document that you were not invited (check emails, no written notice).

Questions and answers

Do I have to repaint the apartment?

Only if your lease (§11) transfers interior maintenance to you. If the landlord is responsible for maintenance (default), you do not need to repaint.

How long until I get my deposit back?

The landlord should return it within 1–2 months after the claims list period. If they delay unreasonably, send a written demand and consider filing with Huslejenævnet.

Sources

  1. borger.dk — tenant rights and inspection rules.
  2. Lejeloven (Tenancy Act) — move-in/move-out procedures.