The Right to Sublet 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 tenants have a statutory right to sublet in certain situations:
- Temporary absence: You have the right to sublet your home for up to 2 years if you are temporarily absent (e.g. study abroad, work posting, illness). The landlord can only refuse on specific grounds.
- Room sublet: You may sublet individual rooms if you continue to live in the home — the landlord cannot refuse without a reasonable ground.
- Landlord approval: You must notify the landlord in writing before subletting. The landlord can refuse if the home would become overcrowded or on other reasonable grounds.
- Maximum 2 years: Subletting beyond 2 years is not protected by law and typically requires the landlord's express consent.
When does it apply?
- You need to leave your home temporarily but want to keep the tenancy.
- You want to sublet a room in your home.
What to do if you need to sublet your Danish home during an absence
- Notify the landlord in writing with the subtenant's name, the period and the reason for subletting.
- If the landlord refuses, check whether the refusal is legally justified — contact Huslejenævnet or LLO for guidance.
- Make sure the subtenant pays no more than your own rent (you may not profit from subletting).
- Make a written sublet agreement covering rent, deposit and duration.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't sublet without notifying the landlord — unauthorised subletting is a breach of the tenancy.
- Don't charge the subtenant more than your rent — profiting from subletting can lead to sanctions.
- Don't sublet for more than 2 years without the landlord's express consent — you could lose your statutory protection.
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
Can I sublet my Danish home while I am away?
Yes. Under Lejeloven you have a statutory right to sublet your home for up to 2 years if you are temporarily absent — study abroad, a work posting or due to illness. You may also sublet individual rooms if you continue to live in the home, and the landlord cannot refuse without a reasonable ground.
Do I need the landlord's permission to sublet in Denmark?
You must notify the landlord in writing before subletting, including the subtenant's name, the period and the reason. The landlord can only refuse on specific grounds, e.g. that the home would become overcrowded or other reasonable grounds. If the refusal seems unfounded, contact Huslejenævnet or LLO for guidance.
Can I charge the subtenant more than my rent in Denmark?
No. The subtenant may not be charged more than your own rent — you may not profit from subletting, and doing so can lead to sanctions. Make a written sublet agreement covering rent, deposit and duration. Subletting beyond 2 years is not protected by law and typically requires the landlord's express consent.
What is the the right to sublet right in Denmark?
Danish tenants have a statutory right to sublet in certain situations:Temporary absence: You have the right to sublet your home for up to 2 years if you are temporarily absent (e.g. study abroad, work posting, illness). The landlord can only refuse on specific grounds.Room sublet: You may sublet individual rooms if you continue to live in the home — the landlord cannot refuse without a reasonable ground.Landlord approval: You must notify the landlord in writing before subletting. The landlord can refuse if the home would become overcrowded or on other reasonable grounds.Maximum 2 years:...
When does it apply — the right to sublet?
You need to leave your home temporarily but want to keep the tenancy.You want to sublet a room in your home.
What should I do if I want to sublet my home in Denmark while I am temporarily abroad?
Notify the landlord in writing with the subtenant's name, the period and the reason for subletting.If the landlord refuses, check whether the refusal is legally justified — contact Huslejenævnet or LLO for guidance.Make sure the subtenant pays no more than your own rent (you may not profit from subletting).Make a written sublet agreement covering rent, deposit and duration.
What should you NOT do — the right to sublet?
Don't sublet without notifying the landlord — unauthorised subletting is a breach of the tenancy.Don't charge the subtenant more than your rent — profiting from subletting can lead to sanctions.Don't sublet for more than 2 years without the landlord's express consent — you could lose your statutory protection.