How subletting works in Denmark

What is fremleje (subletting)?

Fremleje is the Danish term for subletting a rented property. Subletting means temporarily renting out your room or apartment to another person while you are away. In Copenhagen, fremleje is most common among students who leave their kollegium (student dorm) room during an exchange semester, internship abroad, or summer vacation. The original tenant remains on the lease and is responsible for rent payments to the landlord throughout the sublet period. The subtenant pays rent directly to the original tenant, not to the dorm or landlord.

Legal framework

Subletting in Denmark is governed by the Danish Rent Act (Lejeloven), specifically sections §157–158. Under Danish law, tenants have the right to sublet their residence under the following conditions:

• Full subletting is allowed for up to 2 years
• The subtenant's rent cannot exceed the original tenant's rent. Overcharging is called “overleje” and is illegal under Danish law. If a subtenant suspects they are being overcharged, they can file a complaint with the local rent board (huslejenævn)
• A written subletting contract is mandatory. Verbal agreements are not sufficient and offer no legal protection
• The landlord must be informed in advance and can only refuse subletting if they have a legitimate reason (e.g., the property would be overcrowded)

The full text of Lejeloven is available on retsinformation.dk, Denmark's official legal database.

Kollegium-specific rules

While Danish law sets the baseline, most Copenhagen kollegier have additional rules that go beyond the minimum legal requirements. These rules vary by dorm, but the most common restrictions include:

• You must have lived there for at least 6 months before you are eligible to sublet
• Maximum sublet period is typically 3–6 months, shorter than the 2-year legal maximum
• The subtenant must be a full-time student enrolled at a recognized university or higher education institution
• Written admin approval is required before the sublet begins. Subletting without approval can result in termination of your lease
• Deposit is capped at one month's rent
• Airbnb-style short-term subletting (less than 30 days) is prohibited at virtually all kollegier

Always check your specific dorm's rules before listing your room. Your kollegium administration office can provide the exact requirements and the subletting application form.

What a valid subletting contract must contain

A legally valid subletting contract in Denmark should include:

• Full names and contact details of both the subleaser and subtenant
• The exact address and room number being sublet
• Start and end dates of the sublet period
• Monthly rent amount (which must not exceed the subleaser's own rent)
• Deposit amount and terms for its return
• What is included (furniture, utilities, internet, laundry)
• Condition of the room at move-in (ideally with photos)
• Notice period and early termination terms

For subleasers (posting your room)

If you're a kollegium resident looking to sublet your room, follow these steps:

1. Find your subtenant. That's what KollegieSwap is for. Create a listing with photos, dates, and rent, and verified students can apply directly.
2. Get the subletting contract from your dorm administration. Most kollegier provide a standard form.
3. Submit the signed contract along with the subtenant's student documentation (enrollment certificate) to your dorm admin.
4. Wait for written approval before the sublet begins. Do not hand over keys until you have confirmation.
5. Document the room's condition with photos and a written checklist before handing over. This protects both parties.

For seekers (looking for a room)

If you're looking for a sublet in Copenhagen, here's what to keep in mind:

• Make sure you're enrolled as a full-time student — you'll need to provide proof of enrollment
• If you're an international student, you'll need a valid residence permit or visa that covers the sublet period
• Never pay before viewing the room in person and signing a written contract
• Always use bank transfer or MobilePay for payments. Never use Western Union, cash, or crypto
• Verify the subleaser actually lives at the address — you can check property ownership at boligejer.dk
• Ask to see the subleaser's original lease or a letter from the dorm confirming they are a tenant

Avoiding scams

Housing scams targeting students in Copenhagen are common, especially on Facebook groups and classified sites. Here are the warning signs:

• The price is significantly below market rate for the area
• The landlord asks for a deposit or rent payment before you've seen the room or signed a contract
• The landlord can't meet in person or refuses a video call
• The listing photos look too professional or are stock images — reverse image search them
• You're asked to pay via gift cards, crypto, or Western Union

On KollegieSwap, all users are verified through their university email, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud. However, always exercise caution and follow the guidelines above regardless of the platform.