Can You Rent Out Your Apartment on Airbnb in 2026?

As the owner of a condo (ejerlejlighed), you enjoy a very high degree of control over your property. The starting point in Danish condo law is that you may use your home as you wish, as long as you do not unreasonably disturb the other residents. This includes the right to rent it out.

The 2019 Western High Court ruling. In September 2019, the Western High Court overturned an owners' association's attempt to ban rentals shorter than three months. The court ruled that a total ban on short-term rentals is such a significant infringement of the owner's rights that it requires the consent of every single owner in the association. A simple majority was not enough. The ruling was a major victory for homeowners wishing to rent out.

The 2020 standard articles changed the rules. After the 2019 ruling, Danish condo law and the standard articles of association were updated (effective 1 January 2021). Section 30(3) of the standard articles now explicitly states that the general assembly may "restrict owners' right to short-term rental" with a qualified majority (typically two-thirds). Note that the standard articles only apply if your association has not adopted its own registered bylaws.

This means that an owners' association can now adopt restrictions — for example, a cap of 30 rental days per year. But there is an important difference between a restriction and a total ban. A total ban still requires the consent of all owners.

In extreme cases, an association may attempt to exclude an owner and force a sale, but this requires gross, commercial hotel-type operation. Ordinary rentals within the 70-day rule do not fall into that category (PLST).

If you live in a co-op (andelsbolig), you do not own the flat itself but a share of the association's assets with the right to occupy a specific unit (Danish Co-op Act). Co-op associations therefore traditionally have stricter rules than condo associations. The starting point is that you may only do what the bylaws explicitly allow.

Standard bylaws on subletting. Many associations base their bylaws on the standard from the Danish Federation of Co-op Housing Associations (ABF). Typically, you must have lived in the flat for at least six months before subletting. In addition, subletting normally requires the board's approval.

Penalties for violations. If you rent out in breach of the bylaws, the first step will typically be an order from the board to stop. Some associations have introduced financial penalties for illegal rentals. In cases of repeated or serious violations, the board may ultimately expel you — meaning you must move out and your share is sold.

As a tenant, you are bound by both Danish tenancy law and your specific lease. The rules for renting out a rental property on Airbnb are restrictive, because you are effectively sub-letting someone else's property.

Tenancy law distinguishes between two types of subletting: (1) Subletting part of the property (§ 157) — you have the right to sublet up to half of the living rooms. (2) Subletting the entire property (§ 158) — you may sublet the entire flat for up to two years if you are posted abroad, studying in another city, or similar.

Important nuance: Short-term rental via Airbnb does not fit neatly into either of these categories. Airbnb is holiday rental, not residential subletting. It is a legal grey area. The main rule is therefore clear: You must always have your landlord's explicit permission to rent on Airbnb. Without permission, it is illegal.

Consequences of illegal subletting. Landlords typically crack down hard on illegal Airbnb rentals. You will receive an order to stop. If you continue, the landlord can terminate your tenancy with immediate effect. You may also face liability for any damage caused by your guests.

Social housing. If you live in a social housing association (almen bolig), the rules are even stricter. Short-term rental is generally prohibited in the social housing sector. The purpose of social housing is to ensure affordable homes, not to facilitate holiday rentals.

Sometimes homeowners find that the board of their owners' association tries to stop Airbnb rentals even though there is no legal basis. If you are in this situation, it is important to stay calm and know your rights.

Ask to see the specific bylaw provision. Ask the board to refer precisely to the clause that prohibits or restricts your rental.

Check whether the provision was validly adopted. Under standard article 30(3), a restriction can be adopted with a two-thirds majority. But a total ban may require the consent of all owners, as the Western High Court ruled in 2019.

Refer to the relevant legal basis. If the board insists on a ban that was only adopted by simple majority, you can point out that a qualified majority or unanimity is required.

Seek legal advice if in doubt. If the situation reaches a deadlock, it is better to have a lawyer assess the bylaws than to take a prolonged conflict with the association. You should also be aware of the new Housing Patrol in Copenhagen, which actively identifies violations of the 70-day rule.

Renting out your home should be a safe experience, not a source of legal worry. As a professional property manager, Doorstep helps you ensure that everything is done by the book.

When you work with us, we check your bylaws so we know exactly what the framework is. We set your calendar so you never exceed the 70-day rule or your association's own restrictions. We provide professional guest communication so they know the house rules and respect your neighbours.

And if the board has questions about your rental, we can provide all the documentation needed to show that everything is correct and within the law. See our services or check our fixed prices.

Here are the key points about your right to rent on Airbnb in Denmark.