Understanding Copenhagen's 70-Day Rule for Airbnb Hosts

Copenhagen's 70-day rule is one of the most important regulations affecting private Airbnb hosts in Denmark - and also one of the most misunderstood. Many property owners rely on partial information, outdated advice or assumptions that can lead to unnecessary risk.

This article explains how the 70-day rule works in practice, who it applies to and how hosts can operate responsibly while still earning well from short-term rentals.

In Copenhagen, private property owners are generally allowed to rent out their primary residence for short-term stays for up to 70 nights per calendar year.

The rule was introduced to balance tourism with housing availability and applies specifically to private individuals, not professional rental businesses. Once the limit is reached, further short-term rentals may be considered non-compliant unless a valid exemption applies.

It is important to note that the rule refers to booked nights, not calendar availability.

The 70-day limit typically applies to:

• Private individuals renting out their own residence
• Apartments used primarily as homes, not commercial rentals
• Hosts operating short-term rentals via platforms such as Airbnb

It may not apply in the same way to:

• Licensed short-term rental businesses
• Properties with specific municipal exemptions
• Certain housing arrangements with special permissions

However, many hosts incorrectly assume they are exempt without confirming this formally.

Exceeding the 70-night limit can have consequences, including:

• Potential fines or enforcement actions from authorities
• Issues with housing associations or building boards
• Increased scrutiny of your rental activity
• Complications related to taxation or compliance

Relying on the assumption that "no one will notice" is risky. Enforcement practices can change and responsibility remains with the property owner.

Some of the most frequent mistakes include:

• Miscounting nights across different platforms
• Assuming the platform will automatically block bookings
• Relying on outdated information from forums or social media
• Not keeping clear records of rental activity
• Believing co-hosting transfers legal responsibility

Even well-intentioned hosts can end up non-compliant simply due to lack of clarity.

Yes - many hosts generate strong income while staying within the limit.

Key factors include:

• Strategic pricing during high-demand periods
• Focusing on peak seasons rather than year-round availability
• Targeting higher-value stays instead of maximizing occupancy
• Presenting the property well to attract the right guests

In practice, fewer nights at a higher average rate can outperform constant low-priced bookings.

While co-hosting does not remove legal responsibility from the property owner, it can help with:

• Tracking booked nights accurately
• Planning availability in advance
• Avoiding accidental overbooking
• Managing pricing and seasonality more effectively

For many hosts this reduces stress and helps maintain long-term compliance.

If you are uncertain whether the 70-day rule applies to your property it is wise to:

• Consult official municipal or government sources
• Speak with a qualified advisor familiar with short-term rental rules
• Clarify your status before expanding rental activity
• Avoid making assumptions based on anecdotal advice

Addressing uncertainty early is far easier than correcting issues later.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. Regulations and interpretations may change over time and individual situations may vary. While we strive to keep this content accurate and up to date, SofraHost makes no guarantees regarding completeness or correctness. Readers should consult official sources or qualified professionals before making decisions related to short-term rental compliance.