Navigating Copenhagen’s Rental Market: What Every Expat Should Know
Whether you're envisioning a newly renovated apartment in a charming, century-old building or a sleek loft in a modern architectural marvel, house-hunting in Copenhagen is always an adventure. From cozy countryside homes to seaside villas, the options are vast, but the journey can be challenging. Here’s what you should know about renting in Copenhagen before you begin your search.
A Tight Rental Market
Copenhagen’s rental market is highly competitive, with a limited number of available properties and a few reputable rental agencies. High demand combined with low supply means rental prices can be steep, particularly for short-term leases. To succeed, you’ll need a positive mindset and a flexible approach.
A Fast-Moving Market
The housing market in Copenhagen moves quickly. If you find a property you like, it’s essential to act fast or risk missing out. Keep in mind, the standard termination notice in Denmark is three months, and many properties with private landlords are short-term. This makes the commitment feel more manageable, giving you some flexibility.
A Landlord’s Market
In Copenhagen, landlords often hold the advantage. They can request documents like a work contract and may choose tenants based on personal preference. Additionally, landlords have high expectations for property maintenance, and negotiating terms is uncommon in Denmark. Danish culture values transparency and honesty, so negotiations may be seen as unnecessary delays in the rental process.
Apartment Sharing
It can be challenging to find properties that allow sharing. Many listings are marked "Not for sharing," as landlords often prefer tenants from one household unit, whether that’s a single person, a couple, or a family. This helps minimize wear and tear on the property and reduces the administrative burden of managing multiple tenants moving in and out under the same lease. If you're planning to share the space with friends or roommates, expect some obstacles.
Viewing Times
Because of Denmark’s strong focus on work-life balance, after-hours or weekend viewings are rare. Danish workdays are typically shorter, so most viewings happen during business hours. Plan accordingly to fit these viewing times into your schedule.
Punctual Payments
One key rule in Copenhagen’s rental market: payments must be made on time. Missing rent or deposit payments can result in serious consequences, including losing the apartment altogether. While verbal agreements are legally binding in Denmark, it's always best to get everything in writing for clarity and peace of mind.
Securing Your Apartment
Once both parties agree, it’s time to sign the lease and make the initial payment. This usually includes the first month’s rent, a security deposit equivalent to three months’ rent, and sometimes pre-paid rent (up to three months). Be prepared for this significant upfront cost.
Property Size and Pricing
Rental prices in central Copenhagen vary significantly depending on the size and location of the property. Here's a rough guide of what you can expect based on both average market rates and our recommended minimum budget requirements:
- Studios (50-70 m²): DKK 10,000 - 17,000
- 1-bedroom apartments: DKK 12,500 - 18,000
- 2-room apartments (70-100 m²): DKK 14,000 - 25,000
- 3-room apartments (110-180 m²): DKK 16,000 and up
Expect furnished apartments to cost 20-30% more. It’s also worth noting that in Denmark, non-livable spaces—like the area just outside your apartment door—are often included in the square meter measurement.
Know Your “Must-Haves” vs. “Nice-to-Haves”
When searching for housing in Copenhagen, it’s crucial to differentiate between your must-haves and nice-to-haves. In our experience, challenges often arise when renters insist on finding a property that meets all their “nice-to-have” criteria early in the process. As deadlines approach, they may settle for something less ideal because they passed on great options earlier. Flexibility is key to avoiding the stress of last-minute decisions, and no one wants to rack up temporary accommodation bills or, worse, face a housing gap.
Other Helpful Tips
Here are a few more things to keep in mind when renting in Copenhagen:- White goods such as refrigerators, stovetops, ovens, and dishwashers are typically included in rental properties.
- Lighting is generally only provided in the kitchen and bathroom, so renters will need to install their own fixtures in other rooms.
- Curtains are something renters typically arrange themselves, as they are often left out of the apartment setup.
- Apartments typically have one bathroom, even in larger homes. Houses may offer additional bathrooms or guest toilets, but one main bathroom is the most common setup.
- Bathtubs are a rarity in Copenhagen, with showers being the standard in most apartments and homes.