Private Housing through CBS
Private Housing is a broad term and can be many things, but it is not a home-stay - you will maintain your independence yet at the same time you will get a chance to experience the Danish culture.
Different types of landlords and ladies
Our landlords/ladies can be senior citizens with big houses who rent their spare rooms after their children have left home. They can also be families with small children who want to have an international experience. Other landlords/ladies can be students who wish to let a spare room; in rare cases you can even be offered an apartment. It can also be students going on exchange themselves who therefore have an apartment or a room to rent out.
Type of place and cost
Your private housing offer will always include a room with a bed, a desk for studying, internet access, a dresser/closet for your clothes, and of course access to kitchen and bathroom. The price of the room will reflect the facilities to which you have access. The price range of rent per month is currently between DKK 4500-7500 DKK (2024).
Distance to CBS
Distances from CBS will also vary but in most cases you should expect at least a 30 minutes commute to CBS.
Why choose Private Housing?
Private Housing is an excellent opportunity to experience the Danish way of life and to have a quiet and relaxed study environment at home. A successful stay in private housing requires you to be open and flexible. Please check the house rules with your landlord/lady and remember to keep an open line of communication at all times.
Also, bear in mind that there will almost always be challenges when two cultures meet. You will improve your experience in Denmark considerably if you keep an open mind and show tolerance towards opinions and ways of living that are different from what you are used to.
Staying in a private home
You should consider that you will be renting a room in someone’s private home with access to kitchen and bathroom; this means that you must be prepared to show consideration for someone else’s property.
Learning about Danish culture
“When in Rome…Do as Romans do” An excellent way of learning about the Danish culture and to fit into a Danish environment is to observe how they act and act similarly. You will be surprised how quickly you will feel welcome. You can also learn some Danish words and practice them with your landlords/ladies; they will feel impressed and will probably help you with your pronunciation.
How does the application procedure work?
You will first be invited to apply for CBS´s student residences. However, since we do not have enough dorm accommodation for all our exchange students, those that remain without a housing offer will be contacted by us by e-mail. We will send you an application form, a link to our Private Housing Facebook group and some important information about your options.
You are welcome to look for Private Housing on your own at the same time; you just need to tell us if you find accommodation yourself.
Why Facebook?
Our Facebook group is an excellent tool to help you get in touch with other students who rent their room while being on exchange abroad. In the Facebook group you can share useful tips and experience with other students. You might even be in luck and find a big apartment you can share with other students from the Facebook group. Also, the Facebook group is a place where you can find information, guidance and support from the CBS administration.
Good advice about Private Housing
- Make sure to check your CBS email often, preferably every day. Sometimes changes occur which we will notify you about via email, and we often need a quick reply. Remember to always check your ‘junk folder’ as well.
- If you wish to cancel your assigned private accommodation before arrival, please contact both your landlord/lady and CBS Housing Team immediately. If you cancel a housing offer, CBS Housing Department will not be able to offer you any other form of accommodation for your stay.
- In private housing, your deposit will be returned before your departure. Your landlord/lady reserves the right, if necessary, to charge you for bringing the premises back to the state in which they were when you moved in and for cleaning common areas.
- To avoid confusion, we recommend that you take photos both on arrival and on departure.
Payment of rent
Upon arrival you must pay rent for the first 1½ to 2 months along with your deposit, which is equivalent to one month’s rent, unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed with the landlord/lady. In private housing you pay rent at the beginning of every month, directly to your landlord/lady.
You are responsible for paying rent for the whole semester. If for any reason, you have to leave Copenhagen earlier than expected, you must still adhere to the Sublease or Rental Agreement and all of its conditions. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions regarding your accommodation and your rent. You must always sign a sublease agreement or a Rental Contract. It will help you later if problems should occur. If you have any questions about the Rental Contract or sublease agreement you should contact the free legal aid service Copenhagen Legal Aid (Københavns Retshjælp).
Please make sure to go through the apartment, if at all possible, with your landlord/lady upon arrival. It is also advisable to make an inventory list of missing or damaged items together with the landlord/lady. It is very important to arrange a “check out” inspection with your landlord/lady prior to your departure and make sure you receive your deposit BEFORE you leave the room.
Before leaving Denmark
It is imperative that you cancel your address and CPR number at the local municipality before you leave Denmark. Your landlord will not be able to do this your behalf. If you live in Frederiksberg or Copenhagen you can use this departure form.
Students residing in Frederiksberg must send the form to: Folkeregister@frederiksberg.dk.
Students residing in Copenhagen must send the form to: Folkeregister@kff.kk.dk.
