Finding & Renting Housing in Denmark (2025)
Struggling to find a home? Here’s how to find, rent, and secure housing in Denmark — from the best search sites to contracts, deposits, and avoiding scams.
Overview: housing market at a glance
Contracts first
Always sign a written lease before paying anything.
Up-front costs
Commonly 3 months’ deposit + 1–3 months’ prepaid rent.
Know your rights
Protected by the Danish Rent Act — keep communication in writing.
Types of housing in Denmark
Private rental apartment
Flexible and common, but competitive in big cities.
Public housing
Non-profit with long waiting lists; managed by associations.
Student housing (kollegium)
Affordable; apply early via local portals.
Shared room (værelse)
Budget-friendly and flexible for students/singles.
Houses
More common in suburbs/smaller cities; good for families.
Buying
Possible but stricter for non-EU/EEA; most rent first.
Average monthly rental costs (2025)
Copenhagen
1-bed: DKK 9,500–14,000 · 2-bed: 13,000–18,500 · Room: 4,000–6,000
Aarhus
1-bed: DKK 8,000–11,500 · 2-bed: 11,500–15,000 · Room: 3,000–5,000
Odense
1-bed: DKK 7,000–10,000 · 2-bed: 9,000–13,000 · Room: 2,500–4,000
Aalborg
1-bed: DKK 6,500–9,000 · 2-bed: 8,500–12,000 · Room: 2,000–3,500
How to find housing: best sites & tips
Rental contracts & tenant rights
Written lease
Use a proper “Lejekontrakt” (Type A9 is common). Read terms carefully.
Move-in report
Document defects with photos in an “indflytningsrapport”.
Deposits
Deposit + prepaid rent are standard. Keep receipts; get a detailed statement on move-out.
Notice
Typical tenant notice: ~3 months (check your contract).
Repairs
You handle minor upkeep; structural issues are the landlord’s unless stated.
Disputes
Contact the local rent board or a tenants’ association for help.
Avoiding rental scams
See before you pay
View in person/video and verify ownership and address.
Use secure payments
No cash, no Western Union. Prefer bank transfers with receipts.
Trust your gut
Too-good-to-be-true listings usually are. Keep all messages.
Useful resources & external links
Life in Denmark
Housing portals
Tenant help
Lejernes LO (tenant advice, also for internationals)
Related on exploringdenmark
Cost of living
Register your address
Newcomer checklist
Schools & childcare
Frequently Asked Questions
📈 Is it hard to find an apartment?
Yes in big cities — start early and widen your search area.
💵 How much deposit?
Often 3 months’ deposit + 1–3 months’ prepaid rent.
🪪 Can I rent without CPR?
Sometimes, but many landlords require CPR or proof you’ll register.
🛋️ Are places furnished?
Mostly unfurnished — check the listing carefully.
📦 What if deposit isn’t returned?
Keep records; contact the rent board or a tenants’ association.
🚫 How to avoid scams?
See the place, verify ID/ownership, and use secure payments only.