Accommodation

The vast majority of foreign employees chooses to rent accommodation, especially if their stay in Denmark is expected to be brief. Depending on finances and the duration of their stay, foreign employees may also choose to purchase accommodation or part of it.
 

Looking for accommodation

If you are looking for accommodation in Denmark, you can get help from a number of sources.

Examples of rented and ownership accommodation are given below.
 

There are also many websites that can help you find accommodation. Such websites are often designed so that you can search for accommodation based on a number of criteria, such as rental or home ownership, location, price and size. Many of the websites present images of the accommodation and on some you can set up a search profile and receive an email message automatically every time a new home comes onto the market that matches your search criteria.

See for example boligportal.dk
 

Local newspapers are often a good source of information about accommodation for rent or sale.
 

Housing associations

 

* Accommodation at Hvide Sande, Aargab, Kloster, Dejbjerg, Stauning, Lønborg, Hemmet, Nr. Bork, Hanning, Bølling, Finderup, Hoven and Aadum.

As far as Ringkøbing Boligforening (housing association) is concerned, 25% of leases are rented out in accordance with "social criteria". Of this 25%, half are rented to newcomers who have employment in Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality. Special consideration is given to applicants whose current accommodation is further away.

As for the Housing association's apartments in Lem, 50% of the apartments are reserved for renting to newcomers who have work in Lem.
 

Acute accommodation in Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality

Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality has entered an agreement with Boligselskabet Lejerbo and Skjern Boligselskab (housing associations) that ensures newcomers who have permanent employment in the municipality are offered "acute accommodation". A newcomer is offered "acute accommodation" and is given priority on the waiting list for permanent accommodation. Acute accommodation is guaranteed for a period of up to two years.

To request an application for acute accommodation, contact:

• Lejerbo, Bryggergade 10, 7400 Herning, Tel: +45 70121310

• Skjern Boligselskab, Klokkebjergvej 48B, 6900 Skjern, Tel: +45 97352155

Rented accommodation

If you rent a room or house in Denmark, it is advisable to ask for a rent contract.
 
A rent contract establishes the rights and obligations of both landlord and tenant. These include the rent, the size of the accommodation and its condition when you enter and leave
 

If you rent accommodation via a housing association, a written rent agreement is required by law.
 

If you sub-rent from a tenant, the sub-rent agreement must always be in writing.
 

When you rent from a private landlord, a rent agreement is not required by law. Even so, it is advisable to enter a rent agreement in writing. If the landlord is unwilling to provide a rent agreement, you are advised to ask why not.
 

In Denmark, the tenant is normally asked to pay a deposit and three months' rent in advance, payable either before or on the date of entry.
 

If the rent is high, you can claim rent rebate from the municipality. Rent rebates are means-tested and dependent on your income.
 

More information (in Danish) about rent agreements, termination, rent rebates, etc.can be found at www.borger.dk.  This website also helps you calculate if you qualify for a rent rebate.

Estate agents

Buying property

If you are interested in buying property, an estate agent can tell you how to buy a house or apartment.

An estate agent sells property and can give you details about and show you round properties on sale. There are many estate agents in Denmark. Most belong to estate agent chains. In Denmark, the buyer will normally take out a building society loan in order to finance his purchase.
The building societies (realkreditinstitutter) offer mortgages secured against the value of the house or apartment. As a rule, the loan covers up to 80% of the value of the house and is repaid over 30 years. However, the building society will assess your ability to pay off the loan before approving it. It is therefore important that you have a job and a regular income.
 

In Denmark you pay tax on the value of your home.