Søger Lejlighed–the character of apartment hunting signs in Copenhagen
It is hard to find affordable housing in Copenhagen. For a long time most people, even young people, were able to buy apartments, so the rental market was slow. This changed after the economic crisis. Another aspect of renting in Copenhagen–rental rules. We live in an andelsbolig , a housing cooperative, and like other andelsbolig apartments there are rules on how long, if at all, one is allowed to rent out a flat. Cooperative housing is a good solution for creating affordable housing for people but it makes the rental market challenging.
For many reasons the market is tight for renters and because of this you see Søger Lejlighed signs posted all over town. They can be basic like today’s selection or they can be elaborate designs with the pictures of the people searching for a rental option. These signs are a particular part of Copenhagen life that I have come to look at with fascination. I can not imagine creating a personal add for myself and posting it all over town in hopes that someone might read it and offer me a flat. It seems to make oneself really vulnerable, but maybe that speaks to the comfort level people have with each other in Danish society?
I have started photographing these public personal adds and will be sharing them with you here.
I found this one today on the glass recycling container. It says something to the effect of:
It is easy to love Copenhagen, but it is hard to find a place to live. Do you know someone who can help us?
We are 3 young women, who study near the city center–we wish to find a nice and stable home.
We are looking for a 3 bedroom apartment to share evenly. We would like it to be in good biking distance to the center or with good options for public transport. Our economy is based on SU (state student funding) so we are concerned about an affordable rent–we have max 9000 kr to spend on rent.
best wishes
Alberte, Emma and Lisa
This was on our front door a month ago. It says:
We are a nice and quiet pair, aged 31 and 33, looking for a place to live around here. We are interested in renting a 2 or 3 room apartment for max 6000 kr. per month from the 1rst of July or later. We look forward to hearing from you.
Monika & Balder.
Radio Aktiv Sonic Deep Map (2013)
SUPERKILEN – Extreme Neoliberalism Copenhagen Style
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