Housing Allowance in Denmark (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Denmark offers means-tested housing support to help low-income citizens pay rent:
- Boligsikring: Housing support for tenants — calculated from income, rent, household size and home size.
- Boligydelse: A more generous housing support for old-age and disability pensioners.
- The support is paid directly to you (or to the landlord by agreement) and is adjusted annually.
- There is a maximum rent that can attract support — no housing support is given for rent above the cap.
- Children in the household increase the support amount.
When does it apply?
- You are a tenant in Denmark with a low to moderate income.
- You are a pensioner renting your home.
- You have a CPR number and a lawful lease.
What to do if you cannot afford the rent and need housing support in Denmark
- Apply via borger.dk or your local Udbetaling Danmark office.
- Submit your lease, income documentation and household details.
- Report changes in income or household composition — overpaid support must be repaid.
- If you are refused, you can appeal to Ankestyrelsen.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't fail to report changes in income — if your income rises and you do not report it, you may have to repay support with interest.
- Don't assume you are not eligible — even moderate-income households with children can be eligible for partial support.
- Don't confuse boligsikring with boligydelse — the pensioner benefit (boligydelse) is significantly more generous.
About Housing Rights in Denmark
Your tenancy in Denmark is covered by Lejeloven (the Tenancy Act) and has strong protections. In regulated municipalities (including Copenhagen) the rent for properties built before 1992 is limited by the property's value rather than the market price. The deposit is limited to 3 months' rent plus up to 3 months' prepaid rent. The landlord must carry out a move-out inspection within 2 weeks. Termination requires specific statutory grounds (own use, demolition, breach), and you can challenge it before Huslejenævnet (the Rent Tribunal) and the courts. Social housing follows the separate Almenlejelov.
Common Questions
Who is eligible for housing support in Denmark?
You are eligible if you are a tenant with a low to moderate income, or a pensioner renting your home. You must have a CPR number and a lawful lease. Boligsikring is for tenants, boligydelse is a more generous support for pensioners. Even moderate-income households with children can be eligible for partial support.
How do I apply for housing support in Denmark?
Apply via borger.dk or your local Udbetaling Danmark office. Submit your lease, income documentation and household details. The support is calculated from income, rent, household size and home size, and is paid directly to you (or to the landlord by agreement). Children in the household increase the amount.
What happens if my income changes while I receive boligsikring?
You must report changes in income or household composition — overpaid support must be repaid, possibly with interest. There is also a maximum rent, so no support is given for rent above the cap. Benefits are adjusted annually. If you are refused, you can appeal to Ankestyrelsen.
What is the housing allowance right in Denmark?
Denmark offers means-tested housing support to help low-income citizens pay rent:Boligsikring: Housing support for tenants — calculated from income, rent, household size and home size.Boligydelse: A more generous housing support for old-age and disability pensioners.The support is paid directly to you (or to the landlord by agreement) and is adjusted annually.There is a maximum rent that can attract support — no housing support is given for rent above the cap.Children in the household increase the support amount.
When does it apply — housing allowance?
You are a tenant in Denmark with a low to moderate income.You are a pensioner renting your home.You have a CPR number and a lawful lease.
What should I do if I struggle to pay rent and want to apply for housing allowance in Denmark?
Apply via borger.dk or your local Udbetaling Danmark office.Submit your lease, income documentation and household details.Report changes in income or household composition — overpaid support must be repaid.If you are refused, you can appeal to Ankestyrelsen.
What should you NOT do — housing allowance?
Don't fail to report changes in income — if your income rises and you do not report it, you may have to repay support with interest.Don't assume you are not eligible — even moderate-income households with children can be eligible for partial support.Don't confuse boligsikring with boligydelse — the pensioner benefit (boligydelse) is significantly more generous.