Move-Out Rules and Refurbishment 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?
Danish law sets clear rules for what happens when a tenancy ends:
- Notice period: Tenants must give 3 months' notice (to the 1st of a month), unless the contract says otherwise.
- Refurbishment: You must hand back the home in the condition the contract states — typically normal refurbishment (painting).
- Ordinary wear and tear: Since 2015, landlords may not require the home to be handed back in a better condition than on move-in. The tenant is only responsible for normal painting and repairs in proportion to the length of the tenancy.
- Move-out inspection: For landlords with multiple properties a move-out inspection must be held within 2 weeks of move-out. If the landlord does not hold the inspection, they lose the right to claim from the deposit.
When does it apply?
- You are terminating your tenancy and preparing to move out.
- You have moved out and are waiting to get your deposit back.
What to do if your landlord demands excessive refurbishment costs on move-out in Denmark
- Send correct written notice — typically 3 months to the 1st of a month.
- Attend the move-out inspection and review the landlord's list of alleged defects.
- Take photos and video of the home's condition before you hand back the keys.
- If you disagree with deductions from the deposit, bring the case before Huslejenævnet.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't agree to refurbish beyond what the law requires — since 2015 'as-new refurbishment' (handing back as new) cannot be imposed on tenants.
- Don't skip the move-out inspection — your presence lets you dispute claims on the spot.
- Don't move out without giving correct notice — you are liable for rent during the notice period even after you have moved out.
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
How much notice must I give before moving out in Denmark?
Under Lejeloven, tenants must give 3 months' notice to the 1st of a month, unless the contract says otherwise. If you move out without giving correct notice, you are liable for rent during the notice period even after you have moved out. Send the notice in writing to the landlord.
Do I have to paint the home when I move out in Denmark?
You must hand back the home in the condition the contract states, typically normal refurbishment (painting). Since 2015, landlords may not require the home to be handed back in a better condition than on move-in. You are only responsible for normal painting and repairs in proportion to the length of the tenancy — 'as-new refurbishment' (handing back as new) is not allowed.
What happens at a Danish move-out inspection?
For landlords with multiple properties a move-out inspection must be held within 2 weeks of move-out — if the landlord fails to do so, they lose the right to claim from the deposit. Attend the inspection, review the list of alleged defects, and take photos and video of the condition before you hand back the keys. Dispute unjustified deductions before Huslejenævnet.
What is the move-out rules and refurbishment right in Denmark?
Danish law sets clear rules for what happens when a tenancy ends:Notice period: Tenants must give 3 months' notice (to the 1st of a month), unless the contract says otherwise.Refurbishment: You must hand back the home in the condition the contract states — typically normal refurbishment (painting).Ordinary wear and tear: Since 2015, landlords may not require the home to be handed back in a better condition than on move-in. The tenant is only responsible for normal painting and repairs in proportion to the length of the tenancy.Move-out inspection: For landlords with multiple properties a...
When does it apply — move-out rules and refurbishment?
You are terminating your tenancy and preparing to move out.You have moved out and are waiting to get your deposit back.
What should I do if my landlord demands that I paint or refurbish the home beyond ordinary wear and tear in Denmark?
Send correct written notice — typically 3 months to the 1st of a month.Attend the move-out inspection and review the landlord's list of alleged defects.Take photos and video of the home's condition before you hand back the keys.If you disagree with deductions from the deposit, bring the case before Huslejenævnet.
What should you NOT do — move-out rules and refurbishment?
Don't agree to refurbish beyond what the law requires — since 2015 'as-new refurbishment' (handing back as new) cannot be imposed on tenants.Don't skip the move-out inspection — your presence lets you dispute claims on the spot.Don't move out without giving correct notice — you are liable for rent during the notice period even after you have moved out.