Guide to Move-Out Expenses

Moving out of your student accommodation in Sønderborg involves strict financial obligations that can significantly impact your deposit. Understanding the Maintenance Regulations is essential to avoid unexpected invoices weeks after you have left.

The Vacating Deadline

You do not stay in your apartment until the last day of your contract. You must physically vacate the premises early to allow for professional cleaning and painting.

• Standard Rule: For most dorms like Sønderskov, Ungdoms, and Alssund, you must move out 7 to 14 working days before the 1st or 15th of the month.
• Prins Henrik and Kollegie 6400: You must vacate exactly 14 days before the 1st or 15th. If this date falls on a weekend, you must move out the Friday before.
• Access: You are required to allow prospective tenants to view your room during your notice period.

Painting and “Normal Restoration”

Most dormitories in Sønderborg require a “normal restoration” upon move-out, which primarily consists of painting walls and ceilings.

• Gradual Takeover: At Sønderskov, Ungdoms, Handels, Damgade, Humlehøj, and Alssund, the landlord gradually covers these costs. If you stay less than 6 months, you pay 100%. After 5 years (60 months), the department covers 100% of the painting costs.
• DIY Risks: If you paint yourself, you must use specific brands and gloss levels. For example, Alssund requires Flügger S0500-N (White) with Gloss 5 for ceilings and Gloss 7 for walls.
• Proof of Quality: You must provide a receipt for the paint (not older than 1 month) or show the buckets during inspection. If the work is not professional, you will be billed for a professional painter.
• Prins Henrik and Kollegie 6400: These dorms require painting by a professional company at your expense.

Cleaning and Violations

The janitor will inspect your room for cleanliness. If it fails, the cost of a professional cleaning company will be deducted from your deposit.

• Common Areas: At Prins Henrik-kollegiet, if the common kitchen is not cleaned, a professional company is hired and the cost is split among all tenants.
• Extraordinary Cleaning: If the janitor finds that white goods (fridge, stove) or sanitary ware require deep cleaning, this is classified as a “violation,” which carries higher fees.
• Specific Tasks: You must decalcify taps and toilets, defrost the freezer, and clean filters in the cooker hood.

Damage and Repair Costs

Damage beyond “regular wear and tear” is your financial responsibility.

• Walls: Do not fill holes in the walls yourself. The official guidelines state that mending incorrectly filled holes is more expensive than leaving them for professionals.
• Floors: Lack of floor maintenance (e.g., failing to notify the janitor when varnish wears down) can result in a “non-performance” charge.
• Keys and Chips: If you fail to return all keys and chips during the inspection, the locks will be changed at your expense.

Final Settlement

The final statement is typically mailed within 6 weeks after your lease ends. This statement will balance your deposit against repair costs, cleaning fees, and your final heat, water, and power consumption.

The most critical step you can take is to attend the move-out inspection in person. This allows you to sign the electronic report immediately and discuss any noted “non-performance” charges before they are finalized. Fulfilling your cleaning obligations and adhering to the vacating timeline are the only ways to ensure the maximum refund of your deposit.