Renting in a High-demand Market

Relocation & Renting
Many Rygaards families are initially assisted in their relocation by an employer, but the quality of assistance can vary from company to company, and indeed, even within the department itself. People have a variety of experiences. Ours was very helpful in setting up the bank account and getting the CPR number, but the housing person was rude and unresponsive so we ended up finding a place by ourselves.

Of course, even if you are able to visit Denmark before moving, it is almost impossible to get a read on what different neighborhoods are like or what the general living style of Danish apartments and rental homes are. Some families are put up in temporary corporate housing for a few months which helps you get a feel, but don't underestimate how hard it is to find a good place or how long it will take--rental inventory vacancy is something like 3%. Neighborhood-wise, it's hard to go wrong, Copenhagen is quite a safe place. However, distance is distance. If you decide to rely on public transportation to get to school, be sure that you aren't too far away. Biking is always an option, but, again, though Denmark is mostly flat, distance is a consideration. Cars are very expensive. (See our transportation section for more information.)

There are a myriad of problems with searching for apartments and houses on your own--from the fact that danish realty website listings are never updated (nothing you see online is available anymore) to the shadow rental economy that exists on facebook. In all things, beware of the scams. Over half of all housing ads are scams. Finding a partner you can trust is worth the money--and will save you money in the end.

Rygaards IPC recommends Charlie's Roofing, a housing and relocation company that specializes in helping international clients. Please find an overview of the rental market from Allison O'Keefe, partner and COO, below: