Pets in rentals: what does Danish law say?

Having a pet while renting in Denmark can be tricky. Many landlords say no, and the rules can be confusing. This guide gives you a clear overview of your rights and how to find a pet-friendly home.

The legal basics

In Denmark there is no law that guarantees you the right to keep pets in a rental. The landlord decides. The rules depend on what the lease says:

Three scenarios

#### 1. The lease says nothing about pets If the contract doesn't mention pets, the landlord cannot ban them later. You are allowed to keep an animal as long as it does not bother others.

#### 2. The lease bans pets If the contract states "pets not allowed", that is binding. You cannot keep a pet without written consent from the landlord.

#### 3. "By agreement" or "with permission" You need written permission from the landlord before you get a pet. Verbal permission does not hold up in court.

Which pets are typically allowed?

When landlords do accept pets, it usually goes in this order:

Almost always OK:

* Fish in aquariums * Small caged animals (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits) * Caged birds

Often OK:

* Cats (especially indoor cats) * Small dogs (under 10 kg)

Often refused:

* Large dogs (over 25 kg) * Banned breeds: some breeds are illegal in Denmark * Exotic animals: snakes, reptiles * Multiple animals

Banned dog breeds in Denmark

These breeds are illegal in Denmark regardless of what the landlord says:

* American Bulldog * American Staffordshire Terrier * Boerboel * Dogo Argentino * Fila Brasileiro * Kangal * Caucasian Shepherd Dog * Central Asian Shepherd Dog * Pit Bull Terrier * Sarplaninac * South Russian Shepherd Dog * Tornjak * Tosa Inu

If you have one of these breeds as a tenant, you can be evicted.

How to find a pet-friendly rental

On rental platforms

* Use filters: many platforms have a "pets allowed" filter * Read the contract carefully: some listings say yes while the contract says no * Search agent: create an agent specifically for pet-friendly listings

Extra deposit for pets

Many landlords accept pets if you pay an extra deposit: * Typically DKK 5,000-15,000 extra * Must still respect the 3-month rent cap on total deposit * Must be written into the contract

Your duties as a pet owner

Even if the pet is allowed, you are responsible for:

Damage

* Floor wear: scratch marks from claws * Furniture damage: cat scratches * Smell: may require professional cleaning at move-out * Allergens: can be a problem for the next tenant

These can be deducted from your deposit.

Behaviour

* Noise: a dog barking all day is illegal * Aggression: if the pet endangers others * Hygiene: pick up after the pet (also on balconies/in gardens)

Insurance

Always get pet insurance: * Liability insurance (mandatory for dogs) * Treatment insurance (recommended) * Also covers damage to the rental

Cost: typically DKK 200-400/mo depending on breed and age.

Conclusion

Pets in rentals require good communication and preparation:

* Be honest from the start: openness makes you trustworthy * Read the contract: bans are binding * Get agreements in writing: verbal does not count * Get insurance: protects both you and the landlord * Be responsible: follow up if the pet causes issues

With the right approach you can find a pet-friendly rental that fits both you and your animal.

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Read also: * How to find the perfect rental in Denmark * Deposit rules in Denmark * Rental contract: complete checklist