Finding & Renting Housing in Denmark | exploringdenmark

Finding & Renting Housing in Denmark

Struggling to find a home in Denmark? Whether you’re a student, worker, or moving with family, this guide covers how to find, rent, and secure housing in Denmark—from the best search sites to understanding contracts, deposits, and avoiding scams.

Overview: Housing in Denmark at a Glance

Denmark’s housing market is competitive and moves fast, especially in cities like Copenhagen. Most newcomers rent—usually via private landlords or housing portals. Student dorms and public housing are options, but expect long waits. Prices are highest in big cities. Read your contract carefully and watch for scams.

  • Major cities: High demand, long waiting lists for public rentals, and quick turnover on private listings.
  • Rental costs: Expect higher prices in Copenhagen and Aarhus; shared rooms or suburban areas offer more budget-friendly options.
  • Deposits & paperwork: Standard deposit is 3 months’ rent; documentation and ID often required.
  • Scams: Only pay once you’ve seen the property and verified the landlord—use secure payment methods.
  • Buying property: Possible for non-EU/EEA citizens, but strict requirements apply—most newcomers rent first.

Whether you’re here short-term or for the long haul, knowing the market—and your rights—will help you find a safe, suitable home.

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Did you know? In Copenhagen, the average waiting time for a public rental apartment can exceed 7 years. Private rentals are faster—but beware of scams!

Types of Housing in Denmark

🏠 Private Rental Apartment (“Lejebolig”) Most newcomers live in private rentals. Flexible, but can be expensive and competitive in big cities.
🏢 Public Housing (“Almene boliger”) Non-profit, managed by housing associations. Waiting lists are long. See Domea.dk.
🎓 Student Housing (“Kollegium”) Affordable dorms for students. Apply early! Copenhagen dorms.
🏩 Room or Shared Flat A room in a shared flat (“Værelse”) is a popular option for students and singles.
🏡 House Rental Entire house—rare in cities, more common in suburbs or for families.
🏘 Buying a Home Non-EU/EEA citizens must meet strict requirements to buy. Read the official guide.

Average Monthly Rental Costs (2025)

🌆 Copenhagen
  • 1-Bed: DKK 9,500–14,000
  • 2-Bed: DKK 13,000–18,500
  • Shared Room: DKK 4,000–6,000
🏙️ Aarhus
  • 1-Bed: DKK 8,000–11,500
  • 2-Bed: DKK 11,500–15,000
  • Shared Room: DKK 3,000–5,000
🏢 Odense
  • 1-Bed: DKK 7,000–10,000
  • 2-Bed: DKK 9,000–13,000
  • Shared Room: DKK 2,500–4,000
🏠 Aalborg
  • 1-Bed: DKK 6,500–9,000
  • 2-Bed: DKK 8,500–12,000
  • Shared Room: DKK 2,000–3,500

How to Find Housing: Best Sites & Tips

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Start online: Use top sites like BoligPortal.dk, Lejebolig.dk, Findroommate.dk and KKIK (student housing).
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Network: Many rentals are shared via Facebook groups (e.g. “Expats in Copenhagen”) or personal contacts.
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Prepare documents: Landlords may ask for your work/student contract, ID, references, or documentation of income.
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Expect deposits: Up to 3 months’ rent as a deposit + 1-3 months prepaid rent is normal. Never pay via Western Union or cash to strangers!

Rental Contracts & Tenant Rights

📝 Written Contract Always sign a written contract (“Lejekontrakt Type A9”) and read the fine print. Official rules here.
📄 Inventory Checklist Note all defects in a signed move-in checklist (“indflytningsrapport”).
💲 Deposit & Prepaid Rent Up to 3 months’ rent as deposit + 1-3 months prepaid rent. Deposit must be returned within 2 weeks if all is OK.
💬 Notice & Termination Usual notice: 3 months by tenant; 1 year if landlord wishes to move in.
🔧 Repairs & Maintenance You’re only responsible for minor repairs and maintenance unless otherwise specified.
❗ Illegal Sublets Illegal sublets can get you evicted—always inform the landlord and have a contract.

Avoiding Rental Scams in Denmark

⚠️ Don’t pay before seeing the place Avoid landlords who insist on advance payment or won’t meet in person/video call.
🔒 Never use Western Union or cash Always use secure bank transfers and get receipts for all payments.
👤 Trust your instincts If it seems too good to be true, it usually is. Double-check addresses and the landlord’s identity.

Useful Resources & External Links

📋 Life in Denmark (Official) Official housing guide (English).
🔎 Housing Portals BoligPortal.dk, Lejebolig.dk, Student housing
📄 Tenants’ Association Get help with contracts, disputes and legal advice at Lejernes LO (in Danish, but they help internationals).
💵 Cost of Living in Denmark See typical housing, food, and utility costs.
📝 Registering Your Address (CPR) Step-by-step CPR and address registration.
📃 Newcomer Checklist Key steps when moving to Denmark.
🏫 Schools & Childcare How to secure a place for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is it hard to find an apartment in Denmark? In large cities, yes—it’s very competitive, especially in Copenhagen and Aarhus. Start early and consider expanding your search area.
💰 How much deposit do I need to pay? Typically, you pay 3 months’ rent as deposit and 1-3 months prepaid rent.
🆔 Can I rent without a CPR number? Sometimes, but many landlords require you to have/obtain a CPR. It’s needed for contracts, utilities, and bank accounts.
🛏️ Are furnished apartments common? Not usually—most rentals are unfurnished. Check listings carefully.
📦 What if my landlord won’t return my deposit? Contact Lejernes LO (tenants’ association) for help. Keep move-in/out checklists and all correspondence.
🚫 How do I avoid scams? Don’t pay anything before seeing the apartment and confirming the landlord’s ID. Use secure payment methods and avoid “too good to be true” deals.