Move-out report: rules for tenant and landlord

What is a move-out report?

When you leave a rented home, the landlord may be obliged to hold a move-out inspection and prepare a move-out report. The report documents the condition of the home on move-out and forms the basis for whether the landlord can require reinstatement at the tenant's expense.

The move-out rules are governed by the Tenancy Act and are one of the most conflict-ridden areas of Danish tenancy law. Every year the rent tribunals handle many move-out cases. Knowing the rules protects your deposit.

The inspection rules: what applies?

Whether the landlord is obliged to hold a move-out inspection depends on two things: how many properties the landlord rents out, and when the tenancy was entered into.

Landlords with more than one dwelling

The duty to hold a move-out inspection and prepare a move-out report applies only to landlords who rent out more than one dwelling, and only to tenancies entered into from 1 July 2015. For these landlords:

• The landlord must call a move-out inspection and hand over a move-out report
• The move-out inspection must be given at least 1 week's notice, and the report is handed over at the inspection or sent no later than 2 weeks afterwards if the tenant is not present
• If the landlord does not hold the inspection, or the report is not sent in time, the landlord as a rule loses the right to require reinstatement at the tenant's expense (except, for example, for deliberately concealed damage or the tenant's criminal acts)

Landlords with only one property or tenancies from before 1 July 2015

Here a move-out inspection is not a statutory requirement, but it is good practice. The landlord can still require reinstatement under the general rules, but should document the condition of the home thoroughly.

The importance of the move-in report

A move-out report is never seen in isolation, it is compared with the move-in report. If there were already scratches, wear and discolouration on move-in, the landlord cannot charge the tenant for these on move-out.

The move-in report serves as evidence of the condition of the home when you took it over. If no move-in report has been made, it can count against the landlord, because the tenant can argue that any damage was already there on move-in.

Tip: Always take photos of the home on move-in, and send them to the landlord as documentation.

What can the landlord require reinstated?

The landlord can require reinstatement for:

• Damage caused by the tenant (scratches in the parquet, holes in walls from screws, broken handles)
• Neglect (a lack of cleaning, mould as a result of inadequate ventilation)

The landlord cannot charge the tenant for:

• Normal wear, the natural deterioration that arises from normal use over time
• Defects that were already there on move-in, documented in the move-in report
• Maintenance that is the landlord's responsibility, for example painting external doors and windows facing the road

What is normal wear?

The line between "normal wear" and "damage" is often disputed. The rent tribunals have developed a practice over many years:

• Paint that has faded and yellowed after many years: normal wear
• Holes in the wall from pictures: normal wear (a reasonable number)
• Deep scratches in a parquet floor from furniture: a borderline case, depends on the extent and the tenancy period
• Cigarette burn marks: damage
• Grease stains on walls from cooking: normal wear (to a reasonable extent)

The longer you have lived in the property, the more wear is accepted as normal.

The content of the move-out report

A comprehensive move-out report should document:

• The date and time of the inspection
• Both parties' presence (the tenant has the right to take part)
• A room-by-room review with a description of the condition
• Specific defects and damage with a precise description
• Signatures from both parties

As a tenant you should insist on taking part in the inspection. You have the right to, and it gives you the opportunity to comment on the conclusions there and then.

If you receive the report but disagree with its content, you should protest in writing (preferably promptly) against the points you disagree with.

Deposit and move-out

The deposit is the landlord's security. It may as a rule not exceed 3 months' rent (excluding utilities).

When must the deposit be repaid? The Tenancy Act has no fixed deadline, but the landlord must settle the claim within a reasonable time, in practice typically within a few weeks after the move-out has been settled.

What can the landlord withhold?

• Reinstatement costs the tenant is liable for (documented via the move-out report and quotes/invoices)
• Any unpaid rent
• Cleaning, if the property is not handed back cleaned

What can the landlord not withhold?

• Costs of reinstating normal wear
• Costs of improvements (the landlord cannot enrich themselves at the tenant's expense)

Complaining to the rent tribunal

If you disagree with the landlord's reinstatement claim or the withholding of the deposit, you can complain to the local rent tribunal. It is relatively quick and cheap (the complaint fee was DKK 367 in 2026, check the current rate). The rent tribunal handles, among other things, disputes about:

• The size of reinstatement claims
• The interpretation of the move-out report
• The justified withholding of the deposit

If you need guidance, you can contact your local tenants' association.

Practical checklist for moving out

Before moving out:

• Terminate the tenancy in writing and observe the notice period
• Clean the whole home thoroughly
• Remove all personal belongings
• Repair damage you are responsible for (for example holes from large screws)
• Read the water, heating and electricity meters

At the move-out inspection:

• Attend and take an active part
• Take photos of all rooms
• Speak up if you disagree with the report
• Sign, but add "with reservation" in case of disagreement
• Ask for a copy of the report

After moving out:

• Update your address
• Cancel subscriptions and insurance
• Follow up on the return of the deposit

Tenancy agreement: prevent conflicts from the start

The best way to avoid move-out conflicts is a clear tenancy agreement and a thorough move-in report. With LegalDock you create a tenancy agreement that is updated with the applicable rules of the Tenancy Act and clearly establishes the parties' obligations, from day one to move-out.