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.

Short Answer: You Need Two Documents for a Housing Swap

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.

Housing Swap Contract and Application: Free Templates and Guide

Short Answer: You Need Two Documents for a Housing Swap

What Documents Do You Need?

Housing Swap Contract and Application: Free Templates and Guide

Short Answer: You Need Two Documents for a Housing Swap

What Documents Do You Need?

Template: Application to Landlord for Housing Swap

Template: Swap Agreement Between Parties

Checklist: Documents You Need Ready

5 Tips for a Convincing Application

Get Started with Your Housing Swap

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