Check consumption accounts for tenants in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, the consumption account is an important part of your housing finances. The statement shows what you pay for heat, water and electricity, and whether a conto payments match your actual usage. This guide walks you through the key checks: how to read periods and meter readings, compare invoices, understand the difference between a conto and fixed billing, and which deadlines and complaint options you have if something looks wrong. You will also get concrete steps for documentation, communication with the landlord and complaints to the Tenancy Tribunal so you can act quickly and confidently in line with Danish rules. Always keep receipts and photos of meters, and note dates for readings and emails to the landlord.
What is a consumption account?
A consumption account shows how shared expenses are divided among residents and the amounts spent on heat, water and electricity. The rules are set out in the Rent Act[1]. A conto is a prepayment based on expected consumption; fixed billing can be a fixed monthly charge without individual meter readings.[2]
How to check the statement
- Check periods and dates for readings to ensure there are no overlaps or gaps.
- Compare meter readings with invoices and your own readings.
- Verify whether a conto payments match the calculated usage and whether there is a difference between conto and fixed billing.
- Check the distribution key: is it proportional to usage or based on square meters?
- Look for incorrect fees, double charges or wrong rates.
- Document with photos of meters, receipts and emails as evidence.
- Respect deadlines for objections and complaints; do not wait too long.
If something looks wrong
Start by contacting the landlord in writing and specify errors or discrepancies. If you cannot agree, you can file a complaint with the Tenancy Tribunal[3] or seek guidance from public resources. Remember to include documentation, periods and exact amounts in your complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a consumption account include?
- It includes information about heat, water and electricity, consumption periods, meter readings and how expenses are distributed.
- What is the difference between conto and fixed billing?
- A conto is an ongoing payment based on expected usage; fixed billing is a fixed amount regardless of measurement.
- When can I complain?
- You can complain if the statement is incorrect or incomplete; complaint guidance is available from the Tenancy Tribunal.
How to
- Gather documentation: meter readings, receipts and previous statements.
- Calculate your usage and your share according to the distribution key.
- Send a written request to the landlord with your calculations and ask for correction.
- Record response deadlines and follow up if the landlord does not reply.
- File a formal complaint with the Tenancy Tribunal including all documentation if the matter is not resolved.
Key takeaways
- Keep copies of all receipts and meter readings.
- Act within established complaint deadlines.
- Always communicate in writing with the landlord and keep records.
Help and Support / Resources
- Borger.dk: Guidance on renting and consumption accounts
- Retsinformation: Rent Act
- Huslejenaevn.dk: Complaint guidance
