There are important differences between letting and subletting that you should be aware of and which will influence the type of accommodation that would be best suited to your particular situation or wants.
Letting accommodation refers to the rental of accommodation directly from the owner of the property and is typically for a longer period of time. In our experience, this has normally been for one or more years.
| Pros | Cons | |||||
| - Longer Leases | - Large Deposits | |||||
| - No hassle of moving often | - Often up to 3 months pre-paid rent on top of the deposit | |||||
| - Decreased chance of getting your deposit back | ||||||
| - Mostly unfurnished |
Subletting accommodation refers to the rental of accommodation from someone who is letting the property from another and is typically for a shorter period of time, which in our experience has normally been for less than one year, and in most cases between 4-6 months.
| Pros | Cons | |||||
| - Smaller Deposits | - Shorter Leases | |||||
| - Good solution if intend on a relatively short stay | - Hassle of moving multiple times if you intend on a long stay | |||||
| - Often no pre-paid rent | ||||||
| - Increased chance of getting your deposit back | ||||||
| - Often furnished |
Despite the hassle of moving relatively frequently when subletting, as well as the costs associated with renting a moving van, it is possible to save a lot of money in the long run when subletting. This is since you do not have expenditures related to furnishing a full apartment, whilst you also stand a better chance of getting most of your deposit back, unless you break something or don't look after the accommodation.
From the section above 'Letting vs. Subletting' it should already be clear that furnished apartments are harder to find in Aarhus than unfurnished apartments. Additionally, furnished apartments will typically cost more, particularly when you are searching for something to let rather than sublet.
There are a few companies that offer fully-furnished 'ready-to-move-in' accommodation, however they so do at a premium price. You can find links to these companies on the following site.
Therefore, if you intend on staying in Aarhus for more than one year, then it could be worthwhile for you to include unfurnished apartments into your search and furnish it yourself by shopping at stores such as IKEA, JYSK or Biva, if you are looking for cheaper furnishing. You can furnish your accommodation relatively cheaply and tastefully with furniture from these stores.
Universities in Denmark are unlike many others around the world, which often are based on a closely-knit campus and where housing is most often provided. As Aarhus University only has limited accommodation available (mainly single rooms), both on and off campus, it becomes necessary for you to find accommodation via the private market.
When arriving from a university with campus based housing, the expectations will be that you can also find private accommodation that is right next to Aarhus University's campus. Although it is not impossible, you should be aware that it is very difficult to find accommodation for a reasonable price right next to campus.
It is therefore important for you to be open the idea of living in areas that are located a little bit further from the main campus. Although this might sound like an inconvenience, you should know that Aarhus is a relatively small city, which is well connected by public transport and is very bicycle friendly.
In addition to searching in more central areas such as Aarhus C, Trøjborg, Hasle, Åbyhøj and Frederiksbjerg, we strongly encourage you to consider searching for accommodation in nearby areas such as Viby, Højbjerg, Tilst, Risskov, Skejby, Brabrand and Lystrup.
Visit Google Maps to get a better idea of the geography of Aarhus. For your convenience, Aarhus University's main address has been pre-located for you on the map.
Although there are a wide range of resources when it comes to searching for housing on the private market, it can still be difficult to find accommodation due to the high demand for housing. Therefore, it is important to be proactive and quick, and always remember that AU Housing is here to help in case you need it. Read more about how AU Housing can help you in your housing search. And avoid housing scams!!
If you are arriving to Aarhus and require accommodation for a few days before moving into more permanent accommodation, then Aarhus offers plenty of possibilities in terms of hotels, B&B's or holiday apartments.
When it comes to finding long-term and more permanent accommodation Aarhus offers choices ranging from private landlords to private for-profit rental companies to non-profit social housing associations.
Below are examples of prices that can be found via the private market. Please remember that this is not a fully representative example, as prices can vary due to many factors, including location, size (measured in square metres - m2), number of rooms, condition of accommodation, furnishing, or whether it is a private person, company or social housing association that is letting out or subletting the accommodation.
To provide a very rough average, accommodation costs approximately between 90-110kr/m2 per month.
| Example 1: | Example 2: | Example 3: | |
| Location | Aarhus C, N & V | Viby/Højbjerg | Lystrup |
| Size (m2) | 50 | 90 | 100 |
| Number of rooms | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Furnishing | Fully furnished | Unfurnished | Furnished |
| Condition | Good | New | New |
| Rental type | Private person | Private company | Private person |
| Approximate price (excluding utilities) | 6.000-9.000kr/month | 9.000kr-15.000/month | 8.000-13.000kr/month |
* Please note that most furnished apartments will very often only be available for sublet for periods between 2 or 3 months up to 6 to 8 months.
In Denmark, it is typical for a private landlord or company to request a deposit that is the equivalent of up to 3 months rent (exclusive of utilities) as well as up to 3 months of pre-paid rent. By law, this is the maximum they are allowed to request from you. Naturally, you would also have to pay the first months rent.
This means that, in many cases, when you sign a contract you would have to pay a maximum of 3 months deposit, 3 months pre-paid rent AND the 1st months rent.
As can be understood from the table above, showing average prices, rents can vary largely. Be aware that sometimes the rent for certain advertised apartments can include the cost of all utilities or other times will be charged via a so-called "A conto beløb", or on-account payment. This means that you would pay a fixed monthly price towards, for instance electricity. At the end of the year your total usage of electricity will be measured and the actual price calculated. If there is a difference between your actual usage and the on-account payment you have made throughout the year, you will either have to pay the remaining fee or you will receive money back. Unless stated otherwise in your contract, rent is always paid in advance. E.g. Paying your rent for January on the 1st of January.
The deposit is a security for the landlord or property owner that will be used to cover any damages or maintenance to the property as a result of your stay there. This can for instance be to cover the cost of repainting the residence when you move-out (if this is agreed upon in the contract). Any money leftover from said repairs or maintenance will be returned to you. Only transfer the deposit after having signed a contract.
Pre-paid rent is also a form of security for the landlord or property owner. However, as opposed to the deposit which is in place for repairs or maintenance, the pre-paid rent exists in the event that a tenant does not pay their rent or it can be used to cover the last few months of the tenancy, depending on whether you paid 1-3 months pre-paid rent.
For instance, if you want to move out, and if your contract states you have a 3 month termination notice period and you have paid 3 months of pre-paid rent, then you do not have to pay the last 3 months rent. This is because the last 3 months rent will be subtracted from the pre-paid rent.
Once you have found an accommodation and have come to an agreement with a landlord, it is time for a contract. We, at the International Housing Office always recommend that you sign a contract with your landlord, so that you can rest assured of your rights regarding the lease or sublease. You can consult with us regarding any questions you may have about (sub-)leasing contracts.
Most landlords use a standard leasing contract (in Danish.) You can find an English version of the lease contract. (The English version is not authorized, so use it for translation purposes only.)
We also strongly recommend that you do not accept any agreements with landlords/landladys who ask you to pay more than what is stated in the contract or who will not allow you to register the address with the civil registration office (Folkeregistret). It is likely that places like these might not be legally habitable.
If you are staying in Denmark for a longer period, you may consider buying a property. The prices of buying property vary greatly depending on location, size and quality.
It can be a challenge as a non-Danish national to buy real estate in Denmark. Depending on your nationality, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled.
EU/EEA citizens
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you may buy real estate in Denmark without applying for permission in two cases:
1) If you use the property as your primary residence or
2) If you need the property in order to operate as a self-employed person.
Go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see the regulations.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must apply to the Ministry of Justice for permission to buy real estate in Denmark. When the Ministry of Justice has received all the information necessary to consider an application, the expected processing time is usually about 4 weeks.
For further information about acquisition of real property, please visit the website of the Ministry of Justice.
Other formalities
Buying real estate in Denmark also requires a number of other legal/formal documents, so we recommend you to consult a lawyer specializing in property law. Finally, you need to enter into a close dialog with your bank regarding a possible mortgage.
The most common property-portals
· Robinhus
· Boligsiden (in Danish only)
· Boliga (in Danish only)
Other private real estate companies and private sales listings
· Home
· Danbolig
· Nybolig
· EDC
Other sites about housing that could be useful
Life is full of surprises and we therefore encourage you to look into signing-up for private home insurance, if you are not already covered.
The International Academic Staff Services (IAS) provides more information on insurances.
