How much notice does a tenant need to give in Denmark?

3 months. The notice period runs from the first day of the month following the month you give notice. So if you give notice on 15 March, your tenancy ends on 30 June. Your notice must be in writing and must be received by the landlord — not just sent — before the end of the month.

Rental guide

Ending a rental contract
in Denmark: rules explained

Q: Can a Danish landlord terminate my tenancy?

Almost never. Danish tenancy law gives tenants very strong protection. A landlord can only give valid notice in very narrow circumstances: own use (moving in themselves or immediate family), redevelopment requiring demolition, or serious breach of contract by the tenant (e.g. non-payment, illegal subletting). Even then, the notice period is typically 1 year. Verbal notice has no legal effect.

Q: What happens to my deposit when I move out?

The landlord must return your deposit (depositum) within a reasonable time — typically within 2–4 weeks after the move-out inspection. They may deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear. They cannot deduct for general wear, faded paint, or minor scuffs that are to be expected over the tenancy. Get a written move-out inspection report (fraflytningsrapport) and keep a copy.

Q: What is a fraflytningsrapport?

A move-out inspection report that records the condition of the flat when you leave. It must be completed at a joint inspection with you and the landlord present. If the landlord does not complete the report within 2 weeks of move-out, they lose the right to claim for damage. Always attend the inspection and get a copy of the report.

Q: Can I give notice in the middle of the month?

Yes, but the notice period still starts from the first day of the following month. If you give notice on 20 March, the 3-month period starts 1 April and the tenancy ends 30 June — not 3 months from 20 March.

Updated June 2026 · 4 min read

Denne side er også tilgængelig på dansk: Opsigelse af lejekontrakt →

Danish tenancy law is strongly weighted in the tenant's favour. Tenants must give 3 months' notice. Landlords can almost never force a tenant out. This guide explains the rules for both sides — and what to do at move-out to protect your deposit.

Notice periods at a glance

Tenant giving notice

3 months, in writing, from the first of the following month. Works for any reason — you do not need to justify leaving.

Landlord giving notice

Rarely lawful. Only permitted in very narrow circumstances. Typically 1 year notice, often challenged successfully by tenants.

How to calculate your move-out date

Example: You give written notice on 15 March.
→ The 3-month period starts 1 April (first of the following month).
→ Your tenancy ends on 30 June.
→ You must vacate and return keys by 30 June.

Example: You give notice on 1 March (on the day itself).
→ Depending on the contract wording, this may start from 1 March — ending 31 May. Verify in your contract and confirm with the landlord.

Important: Notice must be received by the landlord — not just sent — before the end of the month. Send by email with read-receipt, or by registered post. A text message alone is usually insufficient.

When can a landlord give notice?

Under the Danish Rent Act (lejeloven), a landlord can only give a tenant valid notice in three circumstances:

Own use (eget brug): The landlord or an immediate family member is moving in. Requires 1 year's notice and must be genuine — if the landlord moves someone else in, the tenant can challenge and claim compensation.
Demolition or full redevelopment: The building is being completely demolished or redeveloped. Requires planning permission and typically 1 year's notice.
Serious breach of contract (misligholdelse): Non-payment of rent, illegal subletting, severe property damage, or behaviour that disturbs neighbours significantly. Even here, there are formal procedural requirements.

If a landlord gives you notice for any other reason: It is most likely unlawful. Contact Huslejenævnet (the rent tribunal) or a tenant organisation. Do not vacate until the matter is resolved.

Protecting your deposit at move-out

Move-out inspection (fraflytningssynet)

The landlord must arrange a joint move-out inspection within 2 weeks of receiving your notice or 2 weeks after you vacate — whichever comes first. Attend the inspection and get a written report (fraflytningsrapport).

Key rule: If the landlord does not complete a written inspection report within 2 weeks of move-out, they forfeit the right to claim for any damage. You can use this as grounds to demand full return of your deposit.

What landlords can and cannot deduct

Allowed: Actual damage beyond normal wear and tear — holes in walls, broken fixtures, stains from accidents
Not allowed: Normal wear — faded paint, small scuffs on walls, minor floor scratches from furniture
Not allowed: Painting the flat between every tenancy if the paint is not actually damaged

For more on what a standard Danish rental contract contains — deposit rules, prepaid rent, and who is responsible for what — see Understanding your Danish rental contract →

Understand your rental contract

Upload your lejekontrakt or opsigelse to Elify. We explain what it means — notice periods, deposit rules, and what you are obligated to do.

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Frequently asked questions

How much notice does a tenant need to give?

3 months. The period runs from the first of the month following the month you give notice — not from the day you give notice.

Can a Danish landlord terminate my tenancy?

Almost never. Only in three circumstances: own use (moving in themselves), demolition, or serious breach. Even then, typically 1 year's notice. Verbal notice has no legal effect.

What happens to my deposit when I move out?

The landlord must return it within a few weeks of move-out, minus any justified deductions for damage beyond normal wear. Get a written inspection report and keep a copy.

What is a fraflytningsrapport?

The written move-out inspection report. If the landlord doesn't complete it within 2 weeks of move-out, they lose the right to claim for damage. Always attend and get a copy.

Can I give notice in the middle of the month?

Yes, but the 3-month period still starts from the first of the following month. Giving notice on 20 March means the period starts 1 April, ending 30 June.