Can my landlord change the lock without a judgment?

As a general rule, the landlord may not personally deprive you of access to the home as a way of carrying out an eviction.

Is the Enforcement Court the same as the Housing Court?

No. The Enforcement Court can carry out an eviction on a valid basis, while the Housing Court handles civil tenancy disputes.

Where do I complain about rent or maintenance?

This may often be the Rent Tribunal for private tenancies or the Resident Complaints Board for social housing, depending on the dispute.

What should I do if I receive a summons?

Read it immediately, meet the deadlines, gather your documents and seek advice if you are unsure about your objections.

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Landlord termination & eviction (Bailiff's Court) 5 min read · published June 20, 2026

If you are a tenant in Denmark and risk being removed from your home, it is important to understand the difference between a lawful termination, an eviction and unlawful self-help. A landlord normally may not change the locks, remove your belongings, or shut off heat and water to make you leave. The Enforcement Court can carry out an eviction when there is a valid basis, while the Housing Court can hear actual legal disputes. This guide explains what you can do as a tenant, how to collect evidence, and when the Rent Tribunal, Resident Complaints Board or courts may help.

When is an eviction unlawful?

An eviction is not automatically lawful because the landlord believes the tenancy should end. There will normally need to be a valid termination or cancellation, proper notice and a basis for obtaining the Enforcement Court's assistance. A landlord may not force you out by changing the locks, blocking access, removing your belongings or cutting off utilities.

Contact an adviser quickly if you can no longer enter the home.

A disagreement about rent, a deposit, maintenance or a termination also does not always mean that you must move immediately. The rules depend, among other things, on the lease, the type of home and the reason for ending the tenancy. Therefore, keep the termination notice and all messages from the landlord.

The different roles of the Enforcement Court and Housing Court

The Enforcement Court is the part of the district court that can, among other things, help carry out an eviction when the landlord has an enforceable basis. This could, for example, be a judgment, a payment order or another document that can be enforced. The Enforcement Court does not necessarily decide every underlying issue concerning the tenancy.

The Housing Court hears civil cases about tenancies when the dispute must be decided by the courts. The case may concern whether a termination is valid, whether the landlord has demanded an incorrect amount, or whether you are entitled to compensation after an unlawful act. In many tenancy disputes, the matter must first or instead be handled by the Rent Tribunal or Resident Complaints Board if the issue falls within the board's jurisdiction.

The Enforcement Court carries out an eviction, while the Housing Court can decide the underlying legal dispute.

What must the landlord normally do?

The landlord must follow the rules on termination or cancellation and give you the information and deadlines required by law. An ordinary termination and a cancellation because of a serious breach are not the same. For non-payment, special requirements may apply concerning a demand, deadline and amount.

Check whether the notice is in writing and explains why the tenancy is to end.
Note the deadline for objecting, paying or moving, and respond before it expires.
Keep envelopes, emails, letters, payment receipts and photographs of the home.
Do not accept threats, lock changes or utility shutoffs as substitutes for a lawful process.

If the landlord tries to remove you personally

If you are denied access, first document the incident and seek help without putting yourself in danger. Photograph the lock, note the time and keep messages. In an emergency or if there are threats, contact the police. The police do not always decide the civil tenancy dispute, but they may respond to possible criminal conduct or disorder.

Write briefly to the landlord that you do not accept losing access to the home, and ask to regain access. Avoid physical confrontation. If your belongings have been removed, seek legal advice immediately about claims for access, return of property or compensation.

Consistent timelines and original documents make it easier to explain the case.

How to respond to an Enforcement Court case

A summons to the Enforcement Court should not be ignored. Read the documents carefully, and bring the lease, payment overview, correspondence and evidence of any payments. If you believe the basis is wrong, explain why and bring the relevant evidence.

Read the summons and identify the date, claim and any deadlines.
Prepare a chronological overview with dates for payments, defects, notices and contact.
Document rent payments, repayment agreements and any amounts you dispute.
Attend or follow the instructions you received about participation, and explain yourself calmly and precisely.

Rent Tribunal, Resident Complaints Board or Housing Court?

The Rent Tribunal can handle many disagreements in private tenancies, including rent, maintenance and deposits. In social housing, the Resident Complaints Board may be the relevant body. The boards cannot resolve every issue, and a dispute about the eviction itself or a claim requiring a court judgment may belong in the district court.

Check the local complaint route before submitting anything. Explain what you want decided, attach the lease and relevant documents, and keep a copy of the complaint. A board decision may in some situations be brought before the courts, but deadlines and procedure must be checked specifically.

Evidence and financial claims

Depending on the circumstances, a tenant may have a claim for compensation, a payment or repayment if the landlord has acted unlawfully. This depends on the loss, the reason and the applicable legislation. Document hotel, storage and transport costs or damaged belongings, but do not assume that every expense is automatically covered.

Keep dated photographs and videos with a description of what they show.
Keep receipts and prepare an overview of each financial loss.
Record access problems, damage and any witnesses.

Frequently asked questions

Can my landlord change the lock without a judgment?: As a general rule, the landlord may not personally deprive you of access to the home as a way of carrying out an eviction.
Is the Enforcement Court the same as the Housing Court?: No. The Enforcement Court can carry out an eviction on a valid basis, while the Housing Court handles civil tenancy disputes.
Where do I complain about rent or maintenance?: This may often be the Rent Tribunal for private tenancies or the Resident Complaints Board for social housing, depending on the dispute.
What should I do if I receive a summons?: Read it immediately, meet the deadlines, gather your documents and seek advice if you are unsure about your objections.

How to act in a possible unlawful eviction

Document lock changes, threats, shutoffs and other contact with the date and time.
Find the lease, termination, demand, payment evidence and previous agreements.
Contact the relevant board, legal aid service or lawyer to clarify the correct route.
Respond to every summons from the Enforcement Court or a court by the stated deadline.