Housing Swap Contract and Application: Free Templates and Guide
Short Answer: You Need Two Documents for a Housing Swap
When you want to swap apartments in Denmark, you need two key documents: an application to your landlord requesting permission for the swap and a swap agreement between you and your swap partner. The application is legally required under the Danish Rental Act § 161, while the swap agreement is voluntary but strongly recommended to protect both parties.
Below you will find ready-to-use templates you can copy and adapt, along with step-by-step guidance on how to fill them out correctly.
What Documents Do You Need?
A successful housing swap typically requires the following documentation:
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Application to landlord | Yes (legally required) | Requests permission under the Rental Act § 161 |
| Swap agreement between parties | Strongly recommended | Regulates practical and financial matters |
| Copy of lease agreement | Recommended | Documents current tenancy terms |
| Move-in inspection report | Recommended | Records the condition of the apartment at handover |
| Photo documentation | Recommended | Photos of both apartments before the swap |
The more thorough your documentation, the better protected you are if disagreements arise after the swap.
Template: Application to Landlord for Housing Swap
This application is sent to your landlord to request permission. Under the Danish Rental Act § 161, you have the right to swap if you have lived in the apartment for at least 3 years. The landlord can only refuse with legitimate grounds.
Copy the text below and customize the fields marked with square brackets:
[Your full name]
[Your address]
[Postal code and city]
[Date]
To: [Landlord name/management company]
[Landlord address]
[Postal code and city]
Re: Application for housing swap permission
under the Danish Rental Act § 161
Dear [landlord name],
I am writing to apply for permission to swap my apartment
with another tenant under the Danish Rental Act § 161.
My current tenancy:
- Address: [Your current address]
- Lease start date: [Move-in date]
- Duration of tenancy: [Years and months, minimum 3 years]
The apartment I wish to swap to:
- Address: [Swap partner's address]
- Current tenant: [Swap partner's full name]
- Size: [Square meters and number of rooms]
- Monthly rent: [Amount] DKK
Under the Danish Rental Act § 161(2), I kindly request your
response within 6 weeks of receiving this application.
Kind regards,
[Your full name]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
Template: Swap Agreement Between Parties
HOUSING SWAP AGREEMENT
Date: [Date of signing]
Between:
Party A:
Name: [Full name]
Current address: [Address]
Landlord: [Landlord name]
Party B:
Name: [Full name]
Current address: [Address]
Landlord: [Landlord name]
1. PURPOSE
The parties hereby agree to permanently swap apartments
on the terms set out in this agreement.
2. HANDOVER DATE
The swap will take place on [date].
3. CONDITION OF APARTMENTS
Both parties declare that the apartments are handed over
in the condition observed during inspection. Photo
documentation dated [date] is attached.
4. DEPOSIT
Deposit matters are handled directly with the respective
landlords.
5. APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES
Party A's apartment includes: [List]
Party B's apartment includes: [List]
6. FINANCIAL MATTERS
NO money is exchanged between the parties in connection
with the swap. Receiving payment for a housing swap
("key money") is illegal under Danish law.
7. CONDITIONS
This agreement is conditional on both parties' landlords
approving the swap.
Signatures:
________________________________ ________________________________
Party A: [Name] Party B: [Name]
Date: Date:
Checklist: Documents You Need Ready
Before you apply:
- Copy of your lease agreement
- Proof of move-in date (minimum 3 years)
- Overview of your deposit and prepaid rent
- Contact details for your landlord
When you have found a swap partner:
- Application to your landlord (use the template above)
- Swap agreement signed by both parties
- Photo documentation of both apartments
After landlord approval:
- New lease or lease amendment from landlord
- Move-in inspection report for the new apartment
- Meter readings (electricity, water, heating)
- Address change with the civil registry
5 Tips for a Convincing Application
Your landlord is legally required to approve the swap unless there are legitimate grounds for refusal. However, a well-written application makes the process smoother:
- Be precise and professional — include all relevant information so your landlord has no follow-up questions
- Document your tenancy duration clearly — state the exact move-in date and calculated duration
- Present your swap partner positively — stable income, no debt registration, appropriate household size
- Reference the legal basis — mention § 161 specifically to signal that you know your rights
- Set a deadline — note the 6-week response window required by law
Get Started with Your Housing Swap
With the right documents in place, you are well-prepared for a safe and successful housing swap. Create a free profile on Byt og Flyt to find your swap partner and manage the entire process in one place.