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Getting your deposit back after moving out

What the landlord may deduct, which deadlines the landlord must meet, and what you can do yourself to get as much back as possible.

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Your checklist: what the landlord checks at the move-out inspection
  • The oven inside, including trays and racks
  • Cooker hood and grease filter
  • Limescale on the shower, fittings and grout
  • Behind the toilet and radiators
  • Kitchen cupboards inside
  • Fridge and freezer emptied and defrosted
  • Windows on the inside with sills, panelling and door frames
Your deadlines under the Danish Rent Act § 187
  • You must have moved out by 12 noon on the move-out day
  • The landlord must invite you to the inspection in writing with at least 1 week's notice, and the inspection must be held no later than 2 weeks after the landlord learns of the move-out (applies to landlords with more than one flat)
  • The landlord loses the claim if it is not made within 2 weeks of the inspection
Tip: attend the inspection, and take dated photos of the empty, clean home.

Or call 42 49 34 00, Monday to Saturday 8 to 18

"The apartment looked brand new. The oven, washing machine, dishwasher and fridge have never looked this good."Oliver M.L, move-out cleaning, Google review (translated)

What the landlord may deduct

The deposit is security for the landlord. When you move out, it may only be used to cover what you are responsible for.

  • Same condition as when you moved in. You must hand over the home in the condition you received it. Wear and tear that is not part of your maintenance duty is excluded (§ 187(1)).
  • Never better than when you got it. You cannot be required to hand over the home in better condition than when you moved in (§ 187(1)).
  • Painting depends on the lease. Whitewashing, painting, wallpapering and floor treatment are internal maintenance (§ 111(2)). Whether you pay for it depends on your lease.
  • Only what is in the report. The landlord cannot charge you for costs that are not in the move-out report (§ 187(2)).
  • At most 3 months' rent. The deposit may be at most 3 months' rent (§ 59(1)).

A dirty home is not wear and tear. If the oven, bathroom, cupboards and windows are not clean, cleaning is often the first thing deducted, and it is also the part you control the most.

The deadlines the landlord must meet

  • Inspection within 2 weeks. The inspection must be held no later than 2 weeks after the landlord learns of the move-out, and you must be invited in writing with at least 1 week's notice (§ 187(3)).
  • The report at the inspection. The move-out report must be handed over at the inspection, or sent no later than 2 weeks after if you did not attend or will not sign (§ 187(4)).
  • Claims within 2 weeks. The landlord cannot make a claim once more than 2 weeks have passed since the inspection (§ 187(2)).
  • If the rules are not followed, the claim lapses. If the landlord does not follow the rules on inspection and report, the landlord loses the claim for repairs (§ 187(5)).
  • No move-in report. If the landlord did not hold a move-in inspection and hand over a move-in report, the landlord also loses the claim for repairs, except for damage you are responsible for (§ 90(3)).

The deadlines do not apply to defects that could not be found with ordinary attention, or if the tenant has acted fraudulently (§ 187(2)). The inspection rules apply to landlords with more than one residential flat. If you rent from a private person with only one flat, the deadline for claims is 2 weeks from the move-out day.

The law sets no fixed deadline for when the deposit must be paid back.

How to get as much back as possible

  1. Give your new address. At least 8 days before moving out, you must give the address where claims and notices can be sent (§ 186(2)).
  2. Hand over a clean home. The oven, cooker hood, bathroom, cupboards and windows are where the landlord looks first. See the full checklist.
  3. Take dated photos. Of every room, the oven, cupboards, bathroom and windows, just before you hand over the keys.
  4. Attend the inspection. Read the report before you sign, and write it in the report if you disagree.

If you disagree with the statement

Start by writing to the landlord and asking for an explanation of each deduction, ideally with reference to the move-out report.

If you cannot agree, disputes about the deposit and repairs at move-out can be brought before the rent tribunal (huslejenævnet, § 63 and § 190). There is a fee, which you can find on borger.dk. A tenants' association can also help you.

Deposit back after 8 or 10 years?

Many people search for a rule saying you get the whole deposit back after 8 or 10 years. That rule does not exist in the Danish Rent Act.

What is true: the longer you have lived in the home, the more of the wear is normal wear and tear, which you do not pay for. What you are liable for depends on the maintenance duty in your lease (§ 187(1)).

This guide covers private rental homes under the Danish Rent Act (Act no. 341 of 22/03/2022, §§ 59, 90, 111, 186, 187). Social housing (indskud) follows other rules, and leases from before 1 July 2015 may be covered by transitional rules. The guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are unsure about your case, contact a tenants' association.

Hand over a home that passes the inspection

Choose the size of your home and the moving date. You get a reply Monday to Saturday 8 to 18.

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