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Housing · Denmark
Updated September 2026

🔑 My landlord won't return my deposit — who do I go to?

Direct answer

First a written demand to the landlord with a deadline (14 days is normal) and your bank details — most deposits come back at this stage. If nothing happens, Huslejenævnet i din kommune (huslejenaevn.dk) is the body that deals with rent and deposit disputes in Denmark. For advice on what you can claim and what the landlord may deduct, Lejernes LO (llo.dk). The last step is a small-claims or rent court, where you can usually go without a lawyer.

In Denmark the deposit is capped at three months' rent, and the landlord must produce a move-out report within 14 days — otherwise the right to charge for repairs is lost.

Call firstHuslejenævnet i din kommune
Report toLejernes LO
If that failsRetten — småsagsproces

🗣️ What to say

"My tenancy at [address] ended on [date]. The deposit of €… has not been returned and I have received no itemised deductions. I request the full amount within 14 days to [IBAN]. Otherwise I will take it to Huslejenævnet i din kommune."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write, don't callA dated letter or e-mail with the amount, the end date, your bank details and a 14-day deadline. Keep proof of sending.
  2. Collect evidenceThe signed contract, the move-in and move-out inspection reports, photos with dates, and the proof you paid the deposit.
  3. Ask Lejernes LO what appliesWhich deductions are allowed (unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear) and what is not (repainting, normal wear, cleaning that was not agreed).
  4. File with Huslejenævnet i din kommuneThe rent dispute body or deposit scheme handles this without a lawyer and usually within weeks.
  5. Court as last resortSmall-claims procedures exist for exactly this amount range; the landlord usually pays the costs if you win.

📇 All contacts

Huslejenævnet i din kommuneDecides deposit disputes without a lawyer, small feeWhen the claim is unpaid after the deadline🔗 www.huslejenaevn.dk
Lejernes LOAdvice and support for membersBefore you write, on deductions and deadlines🔗 llo.dk
Retten — småsagsprocesClaims under DKK 50,000 without a lawyerIf the rent board's decision is ignored🔗 www.domstol.dk

❓ Frequently asked

How long may the landlord take?

It varies by country, but "a reasonable time" after a final inspection is usually a few weeks; Lejernes LO knows the exact rule for Denmark.

Can the landlord keep it for repainting?

Not for normal wear and tear. Damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent or bills, and cleaning you agreed to do can be deducted — itemised, with receipts.

I have no written contract

You still have a tenancy and still get the deposit back. Bank transfers, messages and witnesses prove the agreement.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “landlord not returning deposit Denmark”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🔊Noisy neighbours→🔧Landlord won't repair→🦠Mould or damp→📈Rent increase→

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