Can my landlord demand a large deposit in Denmark?
The landlord may demand a deposit, but it is capped by the Tenancy Act. The deposit can be at most 3 months' rent (excluding utilities), and the landlord may also demand up to 3 months' prepaid rent. Together the deposit and prepaid rent may not exceed 6 months' rent. When you move out, the landlord can only deduct for normal repainting and refinishing — paint, wallpaper and floor treatment — and only where actually necessary; the rest must be repaid. There is no fixed statutory deadline for repayment, but it happens once the move-out statement is ready. Disputes are decided by the Rent Tribunal.
📋 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 wrongly withholds the deposit, the Rent Tribunal can order repayment. A deposit over 3 months or a total payment over 6 months breaches the Tenancy Act.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How big can my deposit be?
A deposit can be at most 3 months' rent. The landlord can also demand up to 3 months' prepaid rent.
What is the total limit?
Deposit and prepaid rent together may not exceed 6 months' rent.
What can the landlord deduct?
Only for normal repainting and refinishing such as paint, wallpaper and floor treatment, and only where actually necessary.
When do I get the deposit back?
Once the move-out statement is ready. There is no fixed statutory deadline, but a surplus must be repaid.
What do I do if we disagree?
You can complain to the Rent Tribunal, which decides disputes over deposits and deductions.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “how big deposit flat denmark”
- “deposit 3 months”
- “prepaid rent limit”
- “repainting deduction”
- “deposit back rent tribunal”
- “tenancy act deposit”