Renting a house in Denmark

Before you rent a house in Denmark

You face many challenges as someone looking for a house to rent in Denmark. First, there may be a high demand for rental properties in Denmark, particularly in larger cities such as Copenhagen and Aarhus. It is common for several prospective tenants to apply for the same property, so it is essential to have a well-prepared application. As an expat, you may need to become more familiar with the Danish rental market or language, which could make the application process a tricky affair.

Secondly, the Danish rental market is heavily regulated. Navigating the do's and don'ts for rent increases, termination of tenancy agreements, and evictions can be tricky, even for native Danish speakers. So, we always recommend you consult a rental agent or lawyer before signing a lease agreement.

Another thing to be aware of is that most landlords will demand a deposit. The typical deposit size is equivalent to three months' rent and three months' security (Expect six months in total). So make sure you have this money ready before starting the application.

Renting a place is the obvious choice when moving to a new country. But once you have made yourself at home in your newly adopted home country, it could be a good idea to look for a house to buy. Owning a house will not only allow you to fix it the way you like. It will likely be a good long-term investment.

When you feel ready to purchase property in Denmark, contact us at Bomae. We are always 100% on your side when it comes to finding and bidding on property. In addition, we also assist you with financing your purchase, negotiate prices and terms with several banks, and review all the relevant documents. By choosing Bomae, you can save time and money on your property purchase.

+45 72 600 400

Popular areas for renting a house in Denmark

When it comes to renting a house or apartment in Denmark, some areas are more attractive than others. So here we will list three of the most popular places to rent apartments and houses.

Copenhagen

Unsurprisingly, the Danish capital is Denmark's most popular area for renting a house. This also means that the competition for the best pieces of property is higher than elsewhere in the country. Copenhagen offers everything you can ask for regarding culture, gastronomy, shopping and transportation.

In addition, the Copenhagen area also has many friendly neighbourhoods where you can rent a house or an apartment. In our article Buy an apartment in Copenhagen, you can see an overview of some of the most attractive parts of the city, such as Nørrebro and Vesterbro.

Are you moving to Denmark with the kids? Then it could be a good idea to rent a house near one of the international schools in Copenhagen. Please read our article about the best international schools in Denmark here.

The average rental prices in Copenhagen can vary depending on the size, location, and type of property you are looking for. However, the price level is generally high, ranging from 15 000 to 20 000+ DKK per month for a house or terraced house.

Aarhus

Aarhus is a bustling little city on the east coast of Jutland (the mainland peninsula connected to the continent). As Denmark's second biggest city, Aarhus has plenty to offer in terms of culture, entertainment, outdoor activities and food. In addition, thanks to its proximity to the coast, Aarhus has plenty of beaches you can visit during the summer.

Aarhus is also home to the International Community Denmark. This organisation helps expats and their accompanying families settle in Aarhus. The ICD arranges everything from networking events to seminars. Furthermore, one of Denmark's best international schools is located in Aarhus. You can read more about International Community Denmark in our article Expat in Denmark.

The availability of rental houses in Aarhus can vary. Still, the competition is lower than in Copenhagen. Thus, the price for rental properties is also usually lower. On average, a terraced house in Aarhus or one of its suburbs costs between 10 000 to 15 000 DKK per month. However, the cost can vary depending on the size of the house, the location and other factors.

Odense

Odense, on the island of Funen (Fyn), is famous for being the birthplace of H.C Andersen. Here, you can combine cosy small-town life with outdoor activities in the island's beautiful surroundings. But don't be fooled by the city's cuteness. With close to 200 000 inhabitants, Odense can offer every thinkable amenity – from hip bars and restaurants to social events for international residents. Suppose you are moving to Odense accompanied by your family. In that case, it may be nice to know that there is an excellent international school for children aged 5 to 16.

When it comes to renting a house in Odense, you have many options to choose from. In addition, you will also get more for your money here compared to Copenhagen and Aarhus. The availability of rental properties in Odense is generally quite good, with a mix of detached single-family houses and terraced houses. The lower competition is also reflected in the average rental price, which ranges from 9 000 DKK to around 14 000 DKK.

Please note that the prices here are just rough estimations. Check the Danish real estate websites for current prices and availability.

The process of renting a house in Denmark

As we discussed earlier in this text, renting a house in Denmark is a process that takes time and effort. Often, you will run into roadblocks and language barriers that can be hard to find your way around.

In order to make the process easier, we have listed the typical steps in the process. However, to be sure not to misunderstand or make a mistake, we advise you to contact a Danish real estate lawyer or a rental agent before signing the lease agreement.

1. Finding a house to rent

Start by searching for available rental properties through various property websites or local newspapers. We advise you to have a clear idea of the location and type of property you are looking for before starting your search. With this being said, it could be a good idea to be flexible and look for rental properties in adjacent areas, as well.

Curious as to where you might look for houses for rent? Here’s a list of the most popular real estate websites in Denmark

2. Making a rental application

Once you have found a suitable property, you will need to make an application. This often includes submitting a detailed resume, cover letter, proof of income and photo identification. You may also need to provide references from previous landlords or employers. The requirements are usually specified in the application form (in Danish).

When it comes to attractive rental properties, you can increase your chances by writing a convincing application cover letter. Attach a photo of yourself (and your family if they're accompanying you) and compose a letter that gives the landlord the impression that you are a person they can trust.

3. Signing the lease agreement

You will be invited to view the property if your application is successful. This is your chance to assess the house's condition and ask any questions you may have. If you agree to rent the property, you sign a lease agreement with the landlord. This agreement should outline the terms and conditions of the tenancy, including the rent amount, length of the tenancy, and any rules or regulations regarding the use of the property.

There's that. Now all that remains for you is to move into your new rental house. We hope you will enjoy your new home!

Conclusion

In this article, you have learned more about the many challenges of renting a house in Denmark. Knowing this information will help you make better decisions when renting a home. For example, now that you know the average rental prices in popular parts of the country, you can avoid paying too much in rent.

Even though renting a place is the most common way of finding a place to live in a new country, buying a house or an apartment could be a better investment, especially if you plan to stay longer than 5 years.

As one of Denmark's biggest Buyer's agencies, Bomae can assist you with finding the right housing for you. We also help you navigate the Danish real estate and loan market and ensure the terms and conditions are just. Please fill out the contact form below or click here to read more about our services.