Can my landlord demand a large deposit in Denmark?
The landlord may demand a deposit, but the Tenancy Act sets a cap. The deposit can be at most 3 months' rent, and the landlord may also demand up to 3 months' prepaid rent. Together the two may not exceed 6 months' rent — if the landlord demands more, that breaches the Tenancy Act. When you move out, the landlord can only deduct for normal repainting and refinishing — paint, wallpaper and floor treatment — and only where it is actually necessary; ordinary wear and tear cannot be charged. The trap is time: there is no fixed statutory deadline for repayment. The money comes once the move-out statement is ready, and any surplus must always be repaid. If you disagree, the Rent Tribunal decides.
📋 The rules
- Deposit at most 3 months' rent
- Prepaid rent at most 3 months more
- Together at most 6 months' rent
- Deductions only for normal repainting and refinishing
- Disputes are decided by the Rent Tribunal
🔓 Exceptions
- There is no fixed statutory deadline for repaying the deposit
- Ordinary wear and tear cannot be charged beyond normal repainting
- A surplus deposit must always be repaid
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the landlord demands more than 3 months' deposit, or more than 6 months' rent in total together with the prepaid rent, the agreement breaches the Tenancy Act and the excess can be reclaimed. If the landlord wrongly withholds the deposit after you move out, the Rent Tribunal can order repayment — including of deductions that go beyond normal repainting or were not necessary. What really costs the tenant is time: there is no fixed statutory deadline, so the money can stay tied up until the move-out statement is ready.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How big can my deposit be?
A deposit can be at most 3 months' rent excluding utilities. The landlord may also demand up to 3 months' prepaid rent, but the two together may not exceed 6 months' rent — anything above that is unlawful.
What is the total limit?
Deposit and prepaid rent together may amount to at most 6 months' rent. If the landlord demands more than that, the agreement breaches the Tenancy Act and you can take the excess to the Rent Tribunal.
What can the landlord deduct?
Only for normal repainting and refinishing — paint, wallpaper and floor treatment — and only where it is actually necessary. Ordinary wear cannot be charged on top, and the rest of the deposit must be repaid.
When do I get the deposit back?
Once the move-out statement is ready. There is no fixed statutory deadline for repayment, but a surplus deposit must always be repaid, and if it drags on you can take it to the Rent Tribunal.
What do I do if we disagree?
You can complain to the Rent Tribunal, which decides disputes over deposits and deductions. The tribunal can order the landlord to repay if deductions go beyond normal repainting or were not necessary.
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