Documents for Tenants: Rent Increase in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, a rent increase can feel confusing and worrying. This article explains which documents you should gather to have an increase reviewed — from a copy of the lease and past rent statements to photographs of the property condition, correspondence with the landlord and receipts for repairs or improvements. We explain how to organize evidence, the applicable deadlines, and when to contact the rent tribunal or seek legal advice. The aim is to provide clear, practical steps so you as a tenant can assess your chances of having an increase reduced or rejected without legal background.
Which documents should you collect?
Collect documentation early so you have a clear overview when filing a complaint. The following documents are typically most important:
- Copy of the lease agreement.
- Overview of rent payments and receipts.
- Correspondence with the landlord, including emails and letters.
- Photographs of the property condition and any defects.
- Receipts for improvements or repairs.
How do you organize evidence?
Organize both physical and digital copies. Check relevant rules in the Rent Act for deadlines and formal requirements[1] before submitting material.
- Note dates for notices, payments and correspondence.
- Take clear photos and save them with dates or filenames.
- Collect payment receipts and bank statements with dates.
- Save emails and letters as PDFs to ensure readability.
Submitting to the rent tribunal or court
You can usually start by complaining to your local rent tribunal; borger.dk has guidance on submitting complaints and required documentation[2]. If the case is complex or the tribunal cannot resolve it, the matter can go to the courts or require legal advice. Contact the rent tribunal if you are unsure about local procedures[3].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which documents are most important?
- The lease agreement, payment overview, correspondence, photos of the property and receipts for improvements.
- How long do I have to complain?
- Deadlines vary; check the Rent Act and contact the rent tribunal promptly for guidance.
- Can the rent tribunal reduce a notified increase?
- Yes, if the increase is not correctly calculated or lacks documentation, the tribunal can reduce or reject the increase.
How to
- Collect the lease and all payment documents in one folder.
- Take photos of the property and document defects or improvements.
- Write a chronological summary of events and correspondence.
- Submit a complaint and documentation to the rent tribunal or via borger.dk, following their checklist.
- Follow up on receipt, keep the confirmation and contact the tribunal with questions.
