Finding the perfect place to live is a crucial part of settling into a new country, and for many foreigners moving to Denmark, navigating the Danish rental market can be one of the most frustrating and confusing parts of the relocation process. Whether you’re moving to Copenhagen for a new job, studying at Aarhus University, or seeking a fresh start in Odense, securing a rental property that meets your needs is a challenge shared by most non-Danes. Language barriers, unfamiliar legal structures, limited rental supply, and inflated prices, especially in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, make house hunting feel more like an uphill battle than an exciting new chapter. This is why you need to know how to navigate property rental sites in Denmark for foreigners.
While Denmark offers a high standard of living and dependable infrastructure, it also has one of the tightest rental markets in Europe, especially in and around Copenhagen, where demand far outpaces supply. On top of that, over 60% of newcomers report difficulty in finding rental housing within the first six months, which proves just how serious the problem can be for foreigners and international students.
Here are the key points we cover in this guide:
- Tight competition, language barriers, and CPR registration are common challenges for foreigners renting homes in Denmark.
- It’s essential to look for verified platforms that offer English-language support, CPR-enabled rentals, and legal rental agreements.
- Be cautious with scammers and avoid sending deposits for listings that don’t offer verified credentials or photos.
- Rental costs typically include large upfront deposits (up to 6 months’ rent), so budgeting is crucial.
- Top websites for expat-friendly rentals include: BoligPortal.dk, Findroommate.dk, HousingAnywhere, Lejebolig.dk, Movehome.dk, CasaOne, and DBA.dk.
If you’re looking for specific advice on short-term rental options or student housing, we also have separate guides in which we dive into those topics in more detail.
Why It Can Be Challenging for Foreigners to Rent Property in Denmark
The Danish housing market is especially competitive in urban areas such as Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg. The capital is notorious for its low vacancy rate (which has hovered around 0.8% in recent years) and high rental prices. With a steady flow of students, professionals, and expats entering the city, the demand continues to outpace supply. Rental properties often get leased within hours of being listed, making it extremely difficult for newcomers unfamiliar with the system to secure suitable housing in time.
Language Barriers and Danish Bureaucracy
While many Danes speak fluent English, much of the rental documentation — including contracts, tenant rights, and utility agreements — is written in Danish. Additionally, the formalities of registering your address (called “CPR registration” in Denmark), setting up utilities, and understanding housing rules often require navigating municipal procedures in Danish. Without proper support or translated materials, it becomes incredibly overwhelming for foreigners to feel confident when signing a lease.
Rental Scams and Fake Listings
Unfortunately, where there’s high demand, there’s often exploitation. Rental scams targeting foreigners are not uncommon. These scams usually involve fake listings or landlords asking for upfront deposits before any property viewings. Several foreigners have reported losses of thousands of kroner due to fraudulent online listings. Without local knowledge or legal understanding, it’s easy to fall victim to fake landlords, especially when trying to secure accommodation remotely.
Cultural Expectations Around Housing
In Denmark, the unwritten rules around renting are just as important as legal contracts. Landlords may expect long references, job contracts, or even personal interviews before offering a lease, which is a foreign concept to many. Most landlords also expect tenants to be able to take care of minor repairs themselves, and understanding what’s included — or not — in the rent can be confusing. For example, it’s common in Denmark to rent an apartment without light fixtures or even a refrigerator, a surprising fact for many expats arriving from countries with fully furnished rentals.
CPR Registration and the Need for Legal Rental Contracts
In order to register for a CPR number (your personal identification number, without which you can’t access healthcare, banking, or employment), you must have a confirmed address in Denmark. However, not all rental agreements or sublets allow for CPR registration, especially short-term leases or Airbnb-style rentals. Many foreigners make the mistake of renting a room only to find out later that they cannot legally register their address there, putting their entire settlement process on hold.
Why it is Important to Use Reliable Property Rental Sites in Denmark
To overcome these barriers, it’s crucial that foreigners use rental platforms that are trustworthy, expat-friendly, and transparent. By using a reputable rental site, you significantly reduce the risk of scams, ensure legal compliance, and streamline the entire housing search.
The best rental websites generally offer:
- English-language interfaces and customer service
- Verified listings with real landlords
- Lease agreements that allow CPR registration
- Clear breakdowns of costs, contracts, and terms
- Tools for scheduling visits, submitting applications, or paying deposits securely
This is where knowing which website to use can make or break your rental experience in Denmark. Whether you’re looking for a long-term apartment in Copenhagen, a student-friendly flatshare in Aarhus, or a dormitory in Aalborg, choosing the right platform is key — and partnering with the right property rental service can help you avoid costly mistakes, wasted time, and unnecessary stress.
What to Know Before Using Property Rental Sites in Denmark
Finding the best property rental sites in Denmark for foreigners requires more than just browsing for a place to live — it demands an understanding of how the local rental market operates and which platforms are tailored for expat needs. From avoiding scams to ensuring your contract allows CPR registration, knowing what to look for can make all the difference between a smooth relocation and months of frustration.
Denmark does not have a centralized national rental system, which means expats often rely on a patchwork of private rental portals, housing agencies, and local classifieds.
1. Look for Lease Agreements That Allow CPR Registration
One of the most important things any foreigner needs to secure when moving to Denmark is a CPR number. Without this personal ID number, you cannot access healthcare, bank services, or even get paid in many jobs. But to get your CPR, you need a legal address — and not every rental contract allows this.
Make sure that the property or room you’re renting explicitly states that CPR registration is permitted. This is easy to confirm on most legitimate rental sites, which include CPR eligibility in their property descriptions.
2. Be Cautious with Sublets and Private Landlords
While subletting is common in Denmark, especially in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, not all private landlord listings are created equal. It’s important to verify that they have legal approval to sub-let their property. Always ask to see a written agreement and never pay a deposit before visiting the property or signing the lease.
3. Understand What’s Included in the Rent
Rental descriptions in Denmark may list the rent as either “inkl. forbrug” (including utilities) or “ekskl. forbrug” (excluding utilities). Be sure to clarify whether utilities like electricity, heating, and water are included in the rent. This can make a monthly difference of DKK 1,000–2,000 (EUR 135–270) depending on the size of the apartment and usage.
Furniture is also not always included. Many Danish rentals are semi-furnished or completely unfurnished. Verify what’s included before signing.
4. Budget for One to Three Months’ Deposit
Landlords in Denmark are legally allowed to request up to 3 months’ deposit and 3 months’ prepaid rent in advance, which is standard. Foreigners should be prepared to pay a large up-front sum to secure a rental property. Make sure to get a receipt for every payment.
5. Use Verified Rental Portals to Avoid Scams
With rental scams on the rise, especially targeting people searching from abroad, the safest way to search is through vetted and well-reviewed platforms. Look for sites that require ID verification for landlords and allow secure deposits through escrow systems or integrated payment options.
The Top 7 Property Rental Services in Denmark
Below, we have put together a list of the most reliable and expat-friendly websites and services to find rental properties across Denmark. Each of the platforms offers English-language support and is well-known for legitimacy, ease of use, and features tailored to non-Danish residents. Many of them are platforms used by locals as well.
1. Findroommate.dk
Best for shared housing and students
Findroommate.dk is a top choice for students, young professionals, and foreigners looking to find a room in a shared flat. The entire interface is available in English, and it features verified landlord accounts. The platform also allows you to set preferences for flatmates and living arrangements, making it easier to match with locals or fellow expats.
- CPR registration: Some listings allow it — check individually
- Customer service in English
- Includes a messaging system to contact landlords
2. BoligPortal.dk
Denmark’s largest rental portal
BoligPortal is the country’s most comprehensive property rental site, offering listings that include apartments, houses, rooms, and shared housing. The platform includes a filter to show whether CPR registration is allowed on a listing, which is exceptionally helpful for expats.
- Over 30,000 listings across Denmark
- Listings updated daily with CPR status and rental conditions
- Application process is easy and largely digital
Negatives: Requires a subscription fee to contact landlords (DKK 99/month), but it’s worth it for safety and convenience.
3. HousingAnywhere
International-friendly and ideal for remote booking
HousingAnywhere specializes in helping international students and young professionals find temporary or long-term rentals before arriving in Denmark. The platform is entirely in English, and they handle contracts, payments, and disputes, which makes the process smoother for foreigners.
- 100% CPR-eligible listings
- Secure online payments and deposit handling
- No need for Danish bank accounts during application
The platform focuses mainly on the major cities of Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense.
4. Lejebolig.dk
Reliable platform with varied listings
Lejebolig offers a wide range of listings, from small studio apartments to family houses in cities and suburban areas. The website can be switched to English and has helpful features such as map-based searches, price analytics, and alerts for new listings.
- CPR registration option is often included
- Covers all of Denmark, including smaller towns
- Free to browse, but subscription needed to contact landlords
5. Movehome.dk
Ideal if you’re relocating for work or with family
Movehome is part of Home, one of Denmark’s large real estate firms. While it’s primarily a buying/selling platform, Movehome also offers rental services through affiliated real estate agents. Although it’s more formal than private listings, it ensures verified listings and greater landlord accountability.
- Typically used for long-term or high-end rentals
- Real estate agents often handle paperwork directly
- English-speaking agents available in Copenhagen and Aarhus
6. CasaOne.dk
Specialist in expat relocation services and rentals
CasaOne is one of the few relocation agents in Denmark catering specifically to expats. They offer rental search assistance along with contract negotiation, utility setup, and CPR guidance. Perfect for companies relocating staff or individuals needing full-service support.
- Personal assistance from English-speaking staff
- Negotiates with landlords on your behalf
- High service cost but ideal for professional expats or busy families
7. DBA.dk (Den Blå Avis)
For budget-friendly apartments and private listings
If you speak some Danish or have a friend helping you translate, DBA can offer unique rental opportunities that are not available on mainstream portals. This is Denmark’s equivalent of Craigslist where locals post sublets, rooms, or houses for rent.
- Beware of scams — use caution and verify landlord ID
- CPR approval varies greatly — always confirm
- No subscription fees — completely free to use
Bonus Tip on the Best Property Rental Sites in Denmark for Foreigners
While not a traditional rental platform, it may be worth checking Facebook, where you can find several groups for housing. These are excellent for finding short-term rentals, connecting with other foreigners, or even finding roommates. However, keep in mind that rental scams and fake listings may be more frequent on these pages. It is thus a good idea to be cautious and avoid sending money before meeting landlords in person.
FAQ About Property Rental Sites in Denmark for Foreigners
1. Can I rent a property in Denmark without a CPR number?
Yes, you can rent a property without a CPR number, but to register for a CPR number later, your lease must permit address registration. Not all rentals are CPR-eligible, so always check with the landlord or listing first.
2. How soon should I start looking for the best property rental sites in Denmark for foreigners?
Due to high demand, especially in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, it’s best to start your search at least 1–2 months before your intended move-in date. Some platforms even allow remote applications to secure rentals before arriving.
3. Is it safe to use DBA.dk for rental housing?
DBA.dk can be used for finding rentals, but it’s a classifieds site, so extra caution is required. Avoid listings that seem too good to be true, and never send money without seeing the apartment or signing a lease.
4. Which of the best property rental sites in Denmark for foreigners is safe?
The safest, most expat-friendly platforms include: BoligPortal.dk, HousingAnywhere, Lejebolig.dk, and Findroommate.dk. They offer verified listings, support in English, and contractual compliance for CPR registration.
5. Do the best property rental sites in Denmark for foreigners offer services in English?
Yes, most expat-focused platforms such as HousingAnywhere and Findroommate.dk offer full English interfaces. Even major Danish sites like BoligPortal and Lejebolig can be switched to English.
6. Can I apply for rental housing from abroad?
Yes. Platforms like HousingAnywhere are designed specifically for remote applications. They allow you to sign the lease, pay deposits, and secure a place before arriving in Denmark.
7. How long are typical rental contracts in Denmark?
Most rental contracts are for 1–2 years, but you can also find short-term rentals, especially geared toward students or professionals traveling on assignment.
8. What should I do if I suspect a rental scam?
Avoid sending money before visiting the property or signing a verified contract. Report suspicious listings to the rental site and the Danish police if necessary. Stick to reputable platforms to minimize this risk.
