The rental contract: your rights as a tenant in Denmark

A rental contract is not just a piece of paper you sign before you get the keys. It sets out your rights and duties for the whole tenancy, and many tenants discover too late that they are either paying too much, cannot terminate correctly, or lose their deposit unjustifiably.

This guide goes through the most important rights you have as a tenant in Denmark, and what to watch for in the rental contract.

What does the Rent Act say?

The current Rent Act (lov om leje, Act no. 341 of 22 March 2022) took effect on 1 July 2022 and is the primary legal act for private tenancies in Denmark. The law protects tenants on a wide range of points and sets limits on what a landlord may lawfully demand. The Rent Act's minimum rights cannot be waived to the tenant's detriment; such clauses are invalid, even if the tenant has signed them.

What should a rental contract contain?

A rental contract for a home should contain:

• The parties' details: the name and address of the landlord and tenant
• The property's address and description
• The lease period: start and any end date (time-limited or open-ended)
• Rent: the amount and payment day
• On-account consumption: water and heating, with the on-account amount and settlement method
• Deposit and prepaid rent: amount and terms
• Maintenance obligations: who takes care of what?
• House rules: any special rules for the home

From 1 January 2023, private residential leases must be entered into on the authorised standard rental contract, Standard form A, 10th edition. Always use the current standard form; the earlier 9th edition is obsolete.

Deposit and prepaid rent

What is the maximum?

Under the Rent Act, the landlord can demand at most:

• Deposit: up to 3 months' rent (calculated without consumption)
• Prepaid rent: corresponding to the notice period, but up to 3 months' rent

In total, up to 6 months' rent can be demanded at move-in, in addition to the ongoing rent.

When must the deposit be repaid?

The landlord must repay the excess deposit within a reasonable time after move-out and the final settlement. The landlord can offset for:

• Damage on move-out beyond normal wear and tear
• Unpaid rent arrears
• Missing settlement of consumption

Important: Claims for repairs not included in the move-out report as a rule cannot be demanded afterwards.

Your rights as a tenant

The right to a move-in inspection

Landlords who let more than one home must hold a move-in inspection and prepare a written move-in report documenting the condition of the property at takeover. The report must be delivered at the inspection or within 2 weeks.

Make sure to:

• Attend the move-in inspection
• Note all existing faults and defects in writing
• Photograph anything doubtful (scratches, holes, damage)

Documentation at move-in is your most important protection against unjustified deductions on move-out.

The right to a move-out inspection

Landlords with more than one home must likewise hold a move-out inspection. The landlord must:

• Summon you to the inspection with at least 1 week's notice
• Deliver a move-out report (at the inspection or within 2 weeks if you cannot attend)
• Specify claims against the deposit

You have the right to receive the report and to add comments. Claims not in the move-out report as a rule cannot be demanded later.

The right to a reasonable rent

In regulated municipalities, the rules on cost-based rent apply to larger older rental properties (as a rule properties with 7 or more residential units, taken into use before 1992), where the rent is set on the basis of the property's operating costs. For newer homes and detached houses, the rent is set more freely but is still limited by the rules on the value of the leased property. The rent tribunal can assess whether your rent is lawful.

The right to the home in the agreed condition

The landlord must deliver the property in a good and sound condition. If there are faults and defects at takeover:

• Give written notice within 14 days of takeover
• Describe the defect precisely
• Give the landlord a reasonable deadline to remedy it

Protection against unjustified termination

You can as a rule only be terminated on limited, statutory grounds, and a termination must be reasonable. Acceptable grounds include, among others:

• The landlord wants to live in the property themselves
• The property is to be demolished or rebuilt
• The tenant's material breach of the agreement

A termination from the landlord must be in writing and reasoned, and you can object within 6 weeks.

The right to sublet (in certain cases)

Under the Rent Act, you have the right to sublet under certain conditions. Subletting the whole home as a rule requires the landlord's acceptance, while under certain conditions you have the right to sublet part of the home. The rules vary, so read your contract and the Rent Act carefully.

Maintenance: who pays what?

The Rent Act distinguishes between:

Internal maintenance

The contract states whether the tenant or the landlord has the internal maintenance duty (painting, whitewashing and wallpapering). Check what your contract says.

External maintenance

The landlord is responsible for the roof, façades, shared areas and structural elements.

Normal wear and tear

Normal wear and tear is never the tenant's responsibility. Wear from ordinary use over time cannot be charged to the tenant. Only actual damage beyond normal wear and tear can be deducted from the deposit.

Rent increases: what is lawful?

The landlord can increase the rent, but the rules depend on the type of lease:

• Net-price indexation: the rent can be adjusted by the rise in the net-price index, where agreed
• Cost-based rent: adjusted under the rules on this
• Notice: a rent increase must be notified correctly and with the required notice

A contract can contain a stepped-rent agreement to the extent the law allows. Check that it complies with the limits of the law.

Termination by the tenant

You can as a rule terminate your lease with 3 months' notice. For a single room the notice can be shorter.

Exceptions:

• Time-limited contracts: as a rule cannot be terminated before expiry, unless the contract allows it
• Sublet: the sublet ends when the main lease ends

A termination should be made in writing so you have documentation.

The rent tribunal: your complaint forum

If you have a dispute with your landlord about rent, deposit, maintenance or termination, you can complain to the local rent tribunal. It costs a fee (DKK 367 in 2026) and is faster than a court case.

The rent tribunal handles disputes about:

• The level of rent
• The move-out settlement and the deposit
• Maintenance
• Defects in the leased property
• Termination disputes

Frequently asked questions

Can the landlord just raise the rent as they like?

No. Rent increases are regulated by the Rent Act. You can complain to the rent tribunal if you believe the increase is unlawful.

What happens if the landlord does not repay my deposit?

Contact the landlord in writing with a payment deadline. If they do not respond, you can bring the case before the rent tribunal.

Can my landlord terminate me without notice?

An actual termination as a rule requires 1 year's notice and a valid reason. On a gross breach, for example non-payment of rent, the landlord can instead cancel the lease, but that requires a correct demand and a 14-day payment deadline.

Do I have the right to paint the walls a different colour?

It depends on the contract and the division of maintenance. Larger changes can require the landlord's consent.

Is a time-limited rental contract lawful?

Yes, but a time-limited rental contract requires a sufficient justification in the landlord's circumstances. If the justification is insufficient, you can require to continue as an open-ended tenant. A time-limited contract is not registered with the rent tribunal, but you can bring the question of the time limit's validity before the tribunal or the housing court.

Conclusion

As a tenant in Denmark, you are well protected, but only if you know your rights and act on them. Always take part in the move-in inspection, document the condition of the home, and read your contract carefully. The rent tribunal is a low-threshold option that handles disputes effectively. Use it if you have a legitimate complaint.

---

The content of this article is for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer or a tenant organisation for advice on your specific situation.