Accommodation in Denmark

Accommodation in Denmark comes in various forms and is generally of an exceptional standard. From city apartments to suburban houses, expats are sure to find something to suit their lifestyle and budget. 

Most newcomers to Denmark rent their accommodation rather than buy. The rental market is highly competitive, especially in Copenhagen, so expats should be prepared to make an application as soon as they find something they like.

Types of accommodation in Denmark

Expats in Denmark can choose from apartments or suburban houses. Most accommodation in Danish cities comprises apartment blocks and is best suited for single professional expats or young couples. Freestanding houses are more common in the suburbs. These are usually the best option for expats with children. 

New arrivals in Denmark who want to live in the city should look out for apartments in beautiful historical buildings. These can be a real find for those lucky enough, as the apartments are of a high standard. 

Rækkehus are private single-family homes where the outer walls of the property are linked to one another. There are also værelse available – these are shared rooms in a house. This type of house is favoured by students looking to save on their rental costs and build relationships with locals and those in similar situations. 

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most rental properties in Denmark will come largely unfurnished, with only the basics, such as a fridge, freezer, oven and hob, supplied. It's also possible to find long-term fully furnished rental accommodation, but this will generally attract a higher rental cost and more competition, as these apartments are typically sought after. Expats who will only be in the country for the short term often opt for this option to avoid the cost of buying or shipping furniture. 

Short lets

Thanks to the proliferation of platforms such as Airbnb, short-term rentals have become more popular worldwide. Short lets are fully furnished accommodation options that offer expats an opportunity to experience a neighbourhood before committing to a long-term lease. They are also great for those who will only be in the country for the short term, as they are more affordable than hotels and usually also include utilities in the quoted price. 

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Vrbo
• Sublet

Finding accommodation in Denmark

Expats looking for accommodation in Denmark should browse online property postings and enlist the help of reliable real estate agents. Estate agents will have an extensive list of available housing and can also arrange viewings for prospective tenants. Some people will be lucky enough to have a relocation agency working on their behalf, who will research short and long-term accommodation options, negotiate on your behalf and help with moving in and setting up utilities.

It is also a good idea to speak to other expats already living in Denmark to find out how they went about finding accommodation. It’s quite common for expats to take over the lease of other departing expats.

Useful links

• BoligPortal and Boligsiden are among the most popular property portals in Denmark. 

Renting accommodation in Denmark

Rental properties in major cities such as Copenhagen tend to be highly sought after, so competition will be tough. Expats are advised to ensure they have key documentation ready when beginning the house hunt. 

Leases

Once expats have found a rental they like, they will need to sign a tenancy agreement. Lease agreements in Denmark are typically for 12 months, but expats can negotiate shorter or longer contracts with their landlords. 

The lease is provided in Danish and English, but only the Danish version will be legally recognised. Expats should have a Danish-speaking friend or real estate agent go through it. It's important to read the lease carefully before signing.

Deposits

Once the lease is signed, expats will need to pay a deposit of up to three months’ rent as well as an additional three months of advance rent. The pre-paid rent can be used to account for the remaining rental costs when the lease is terminated, and the deposit is usually returned at the end of the lease if there is no significant damage to the property. 

Termination of the lease

Expats who would like to terminate their lease before its stipulated expiration date must give their landlord notice at least three months before their intended departure date. They must do a thorough inspection of the property with the landlord upon moving out to avoid being unfairly charged for damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear. 

Utilities in Denmark

Utilities may be an additional charge on top of rent, or landlords may request that tenants pay a fixed prepayment (conto) as part of their rent to cover utilities. To access all utility services, expats must ensure they have their CPR number. 

Electricity and gas

Denmark operates a deregulated electricity market where customers can choose their own electricity suppliers. Ørsted is the largest electricity and gas supplier in Denmark, and customers can switch between electricity and gas suppliers at no cost. New arrivals can pick between a fixed or variable rate when deciding on their electricity suppliers. 

Expats are advised to contact their electricity suppliers at least two months in advance to ensure they are connected on their moving-in date. The latest new arrivals can reach out to their electricity suppliers is at least 14 working days before moving in. 

Water

Much of the drinking water in Denmark comes from groundwater sources. Water supply across the country is managed by individual municipalities and usage is monitored through meters. The meters are read annually and residents are then refunded if they used less than their initial payment, or they are asked to pay more if their usage was higher. 

Bins and recycling

Recycling and efficient waste management are an integral part of the Danish society. Local municipalities oversee waste management. Municipalities are responsible for providing waste bins and collecting rubbish weekly. Residents should separate waste at the source. Most buildings will have separate rubbish bins for different materials such as glass, paper, plastic and electronic waste. 

There are also recycling centres available throughout the country where residents can take their sorted recyclables. Denmark also has a recycling system for bottles and cans known as the "pant" system. This involves paying a deposit when purchasing a recyclable bottle or can, which residents can then get back when returning the bottle or can back to a reverse vending machine at a supermarket.

Internet

Denmark offers modern connectivity options, including fibre optic, wireless, and cable. Most internet service providers offer reliable connections and some offer bundled options that allow users to combine their phone, internet, and TV connections. This often works out to be the most economical option. Similar to other utilities, expats must have their CPR number before applying for internet contracts.

Useful links

• To compare electricity prices across different suppliers in Denmark, visit Elpris. 
• The Danish Ministry of Environment's Environmental Protection Agency has more on waste management and recycling. 
• Kviknet and Lebara are some of the most popular internet service providers in Denmark.