Expat guide · Danish rental contracts
Danish rental contract explained: a guide for expats
The key numbers: deposit and prepaid rent
The first thing most people look at is the money. Danish law caps what a landlord can demand upfront:
| Item | Danish term | Legal maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Security deposit | Depositum | 3 months' rent |
| Prepaid rent | Forudbetalt leje | 3 months' rent |
| Total upfront | — | 6 months' rent maximum |
The deposit is returned when you move out, minus any legitimate deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Prepaid rent is used to cover your last months — you don't pay rent for those months, and you cannot offset it against damages.
Notice periods
Danish tenancy law gives tenants strong notice protections:
| Who gives notice | Standard period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant | 3 months | Can be shortened by contract, not extended |
| Landlord | 1–3 years | Depends on tenancy length and reason |
Notice must be given in writing and takes effect from the first day of the following month. If you give notice on 15 March, your tenancy ends 30 June — not 15 June.
Who pays for what: maintenance obligations
This is where many expats get a surprise. Under Lejeloven, maintenance is split between landlord and tenant by default:
Landlord's responsibility (indvendig vedligeholdelse — unless transferred)
- Roof, exterior walls, and structure
- Heating system, hot water, and shared installations
- Common areas
Tenant's responsibility by default
- Internal walls, ceilings, and floors
- Doors and windows inside the apartment
- Fixtures, fittings, and locks
- Painting and wallpaper (if the contract assigns this to you)
The § 11 clauses — the small print that matters
Section 11 (særlige vilkår) is where landlords add their own rules on top of Lejeloven. These are fully binding if you signed the contract. Common § 11 clauses include:
- No pets — common and enforceable
- No smoking inside the property
- Repaint on move-out — you must repaint all walls in white (or specified colour) before leaving, regardless of condition on arrival
- Garden maintenance — if there's a garden, you may be required to maintain it to a defined standard
- Airbnb / subletting ban — very common, and violations can lead to termination
- Move-out cleaning standard — some specify professional cleaning is required
Read § 11 carefully. It's the section that most often leads to deposit disputes on move-out.
Move-in and move-out inspections
Danish law requires the landlord to offer you a move-in inspection (indflytningssynsrapport) within two weeks of moving in. This documents the existing condition of the property.
On move-out, the landlord must hold a move-out inspection (fraflytningssynsrapport) and give you a copy. You have the right to be present. Deductions from your deposit must be itemised and refer to specific damage noted at this inspection.
Rent increases
Landlords cannot raise rent freely. Increases must follow one of the legal mechanisms:
- Nettoprisindeks — indexed to Danish consumer price inflation (most common)
- Omkostningsbestemt leje — cost-determined rent, based on the landlord's documented costs
- Free-market rent — only applies to newer buildings (built after 1991) or renovated properties that have opted out of rent regulation
Your contract must state which mechanism applies. A landlord cannot simply decide to raise the rent — any increase must follow the agreed mechanism and be notified in writing with at least 3 months' notice.
The Danish terms you'll encounter
| Danish | What it means |
|---|---|
| Lejekontrakt | Rental contract |
| Depositum | Security deposit (max 3 months) |
| Forudbetalt leje | Prepaid rent (max 3 months) |
| Udlejer | Landlord |
| Lejer | Tenant |
| Opsigelse | Notice to end the tenancy |
| Særlige vilkår (§ 11) | Additional / special clauses |
| Indflytningssynsrapport | Move-in inspection report |
| Fraflytningssynsrapport | Move-out inspection report |
| Vedligeholdelse | Maintenance |
| Nettoprisindeks | Consumer price index (rent increase mechanism) |
Not sure what your contract says?
Upload your Danish rental contract to Elify. We'll explain the risks, obligations, and anything unusual — in plain English.
Analyse my rental contract free →Frequently asked questions
How much deposit can a landlord ask for in Denmark?
A maximum of 3 months' rent as deposit (depositum), plus up to 3 months' prepaid rent (forudbetalt leje) — 6 months total upfront. Anything above this is not legally enforceable under Lejeloven.
How much notice do I need to give to end a rental in Denmark?
The standard tenant notice period is 3 months. Notice must be in writing and takes effect from the first day of the following month — so notice given on 15 March ends the tenancy on 30 June. See our full guide to ending a Danish rental contract →
What is a § 11 clause?
§ 11 (særlige vilkår) is the section for additional clauses that deviate from standard Lejeloven rules. These are binding if you signed the contract. Common ones include pet bans, smoking bans, repaint-on-move-out obligations, and subletting restrictions.
Can my landlord keep my deposit for repainting?
Only if the contract specifically assigns interior maintenance to you (via § 11) and there's a move-out inspection documenting the condition. Without a signed move-in report, landlords cannot charge for pre-existing conditions.
Can a landlord evict me to sell the apartment?
No. Danish tenancy law gives tenants strong eviction protections. A landlord cannot terminate your tenancy simply to sell the property or to allow a family member to move in, unless your contract explicitly provides for this upfront.