Security deposit rules in Denmark: what tenants need to know

Losing your deposit to unfair deductions is one of the most common complaints among renters in Denmark, especially among expats who are unfamiliar with the rules. Here is what the law actually says.

How much can a landlord charge?

Under the Danish Rent Act (Lejeloven), a landlord can require a maximum of 3 months' rent as a deposit (depositum) and 3 months' rent as prepaid rent (forudbetalt leje). The deposit covers potential damages, while prepaid rent covers your final months in the apartment. In total, your upfront cost before moving in can reach 7 months' rent (deposit + prepaid rent + first month).

If the landlord raises your rent during the tenancy, they are also entitled to adjust the deposit and prepaid rent to match the new amount.

Where must the deposit be held?

The landlord is required to keep your deposit in a separate bank account, distinct from their personal finances. If you want confirmation of this, you can ask the landlord to provide documentation. In practice, not all landlords follow this rule, but they are legally required to.

Move-in inspection

For professional landlords (those renting out more than one unit), a move-in inspection is mandatory. The landlord must prepare a written report (indflytningsrapport) documenting the condition of the apartment.

You then have 14 days to send the landlord a written list of any additional defects, with photos. This is your only chance to add to the official record. After 14 days, anything not documented is assumed to have been fine.

Key rule: If the landlord fails to conduct a required move-in inspection, they lose the right to make deductions from your deposit at move-out, regardless of actual damage. This is one of the most important protections in Danish rental law.

For amateur landlords (renting out a single property), a formal inspection is not required, but they must still provide a written statement of any claims within 14 days of your departure.

Move-out inspection

The landlord must schedule a move-out inspection within 14 days of your departure and give you at least 7 days' notice. A written report must be provided documenting any damages.

If the landlord misses these deadlines, they lose the right to deduct from your deposit, even if there is genuine damage.

What landlords can and cannot deduct

Landlords can deduct costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, and outstanding utility bills. They cannot charge you for general aging: scuff marks, faded paint, and minor floor wear from daily use are considered normal.

All deductions must be supported by invoices. A landlord cannot simply estimate a cost and withhold it.

What to do if your landlord will not return it

• Send a written request (email is fine) asking for the deposit back or an itemized statement of deductions.
• If the landlord does not respond or you disagree with the deductions, file a complaint with Huslejenaevnet (the local Rent Board in your municipality). Filing costs a small fee (currently around 350 DKK) and the board can order the landlord to repay.
• For ongoing support, consider joining LLO (Lejernes Landsorganisation), Denmark's largest tenant association, which offers legal advice to members.

To understand the contract terms that affect your deposit, see our guide on Typeformular A explained. For practical move-in tips, use this move-in inspection checklist. If deductions are still disputed, follow our step-by-step landlord deposit dispute process.

How RentalProof helps protect your deposit

Timestamped move-in and move-out photo reporting creates evidence landlords and dispute boards can verify. Better records reduce unfair deduction risk.