Deadlines to Protest for Tenants in Denmark

Maintenance & repairs (who pays what) 3 min read · published September 11, 2025
As a tenant in Denmark you may receive a settlement from a landlord that you believe is incorrect — for example a wrongly calculated deposit, excessive shared expenses or unjustified deductions. It is important to act within deadlines, gather documentation and send a clear written protest. This guide explains which time limits typically apply, which documents you should keep, and how you can complain to the Rent Tribunal or go to court if necessary. The aim is to give you concrete steps so you avoid losing rights due to deadlines and can obtain a fair review of the statement. Also read about maintenance and repairs, who pays what, so you can assess whether costs are reasonable. Contact a tenants' association or the Rent Tribunal early for guidance and practical help.

What do the deadlines mean?

Deadlines concern both how quickly you must react and which procedures follow. There is no single deadline for all types of settlements, but often shorter periods apply for objections to accounts or payment demands. If you are unsure which rules apply to your case, the Rent Act and official guidance can provide answers.[1] Contact the Rent Tribunal for concrete advice about deadlines in your municipality.[2]

  • Write a written protest as soon as possible after receiving the statement, preferably within a few weeks.
  • Keep receipts, photos, emails and other correspondence as evidence for your claim or objection.
  • If you cannot agree, you can file a formal complaint with the Rent Tribunal or consider civil court proceedings.
Always collect receipts and photos as documentation.

How do you prepare a protest?

A good protest is short, precise and documented. Start by writing the date, which invoice or statement you are protesting, and which amounts or items you believe are incorrect. Attach copies of relevant documents and keep originals. Send the protest by email or registered letter so there is proof of sending.

  • State clearly which items in the statement you dispute and why.
  • Attach evidence: photos, receipts and previous accounts.
  • Note dates of conversations and keep names of people you speak with.
Detailed documentation increases your chances of success in a complaint case.

When should you escalate to the Rent Tribunal or court?

If the landlord does not acknowledge your protest, the next step may be to bring the case before the Rent Tribunal. The Rent Tribunal can make decisions in disputes about, for example, settlement of prepayments, deposit or maintenance costs.[3] In more complicated cases a court may be needed, but this is often more expensive and takes longer.

FAQ

How long do I have to protest?
There is no universal deadline; react as soon as possible and within the practical deadlines in the account. Contact the Rent Tribunal for precise guidance.
What should my written protest contain?
Date, a clear description of what you are protesting, amounts, and copies of relevant documentation.
Does the Rent Tribunal provide free help?
The Rent Tribunal offers guidance and can handle disputes; some services are free, but check borger.dk or your municipality for details.

How to

  1. Gather all documentation: receipts, photos, correspondence and the lease agreement.
  2. Write a short and precise written protest with documentation attached.
  3. Send the protest to the landlord and note the date of sending; call or write to follow up.
  4. Submit a complaint to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot find a solution.
  5. Consider legal advice if the case is complex or of high value.

Help and support

  1. [1] Retsinformation - Rent Act
  2. [2] Borger.dk - Rent Tribunal and complaints
  3. [3] Huslejenaevn.dk - Local complaint options

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Denmark

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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