Housing Charges & Refunds for Tenants in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark you may face issues with housing charges, overpaid rent or refund claims. This guide explains in plain language the rules that apply to housing charges and refunds, which deadlines you must watch, and how to document a claim. You will receive practical advice on contacting the landlord, collecting evidence, and how to file a complaint with the rent tribunal or ultimately take the case to court. The goal is to give you concrete steps so you can act quickly and correctly as a tenant in Denmark.
What is a housing charge and who pays?
A housing charge typically covers fixed costs related to the dwelling, which may be part of the rent or billed separately. As a tenant you only pay what is agreed in the lease or required by applicable law. If a housing charge has been charged unlawfully, you may be entitled to a refund from the landlord.
When can you demand a refund?
You can demand a refund if the charge is not stated in the lease, if it was charged twice, or if the expense is not legally imposed on the tenant. Always keep receipts, bank statements and correspondence with the landlord as documentation. When referring to the Rent Act, you should also check specific sections of the law for deadlines and procedures[1].
- Documentation: Keep receipts, photos and emails as proof of payment and agreements.
- Contract: Check the lease for agreements about housing charges or extra payments.
- Amount: Note exact amounts, payment dates and what the payment covers (rent/deposit/refund).
Before contacting authorities
Always start by contacting the landlord in writing and request an explanation and a refund. Describe the error briefly and set a reasonable deadline for a reply. If the landlord does not respond or rejects your claim, you can compile the case and complain to the rent tribunal or seek legal assistance[2].
FAQ
- How do I complain about an unlawful housing charge?
- First send a written request to the landlord. If no solution is reached, you can complain to the rent tribunal or contact a tenant organization for guidance.
- Is there a deadline to claim a refund?
- Deadlines may vary; document when the payment took place and seek advice early to avoid the claim becoming time-barred.
- How much does it cost to have the case handled by the rent tribunal?
- Processing at the rent tribunal is usually cheaper than the courts, and some municipalities charge only a small fee or no fee for tenant complaints.
How to
- Check the lease and note relevant deadlines and amounts.
- Write a short, written request to the landlord asking for a refund and set a deadline.
- Collect evidence: receipts, texts, emails and bank statements as proof.
- Contact the rent tribunal or seek advice from local tenant associations if the landlord rejects the claim[2].
