Husleje

What Is Husleje?

Husleje is the Danish term for rent—the fixed monthly payment you make to live in a rented home or apartment. It often includes more than just the base rent, so understanding the full breakdown is key to budgeting and avoiding hidden costs.

What’s Typically Included?

Your lejekontrakt (rental contract) should detail all cost components. Common elements include:

• Base rent (leje): Payment for using the property

• Utilities (forbrug): Heating, water, and sometimes electricity—often paid a conto (on account)

• Shared costs (fællesudgifter): Fees for stairwell cleaning, waste collection, maintenance, etc.

A conto utilities are estimated monthly payments based on average usage. Once a year, the landlord reconciles your actual consumption—either refunding you or asking for the difference.

How Is Rent Regulated?

Denmark has rent control rules, especially for older buildings. These ensure:

• Rent is fair and reflects the property’s condition and value

• Increases must follow legal procedures with written notice

• Tenants can challenge unfair rent through the Huslejenævn (Rent Board)

Furnished and newer apartments may fall outside these rules and often carry higher rent.

Example

Your lease states a monthly husleje of DKK 9,000:

• DKK 8,200 for base rent

• DKK 400 for heating (a conto)

• DKK 400 for shared building expenses
  Electricity is not included, so you’ll arrange that separately with a utility provider.

Quick Tips for Expats

• Ask for a full rent breakdown before signing

• Confirm which utilities are included (electricity, internet, etc.)

• Keep documentation of all payments and utility readings

• Contact Huslejenævn if you suspect your rent is too high

• Review annual adjustments to ensure charges match your usage