Rent and Heating Outages: Tenants' Rights in Denmark

Heating outages can cause discomfort and affect a home's habitability, and as a tenant in Denmark you have the right to a home with adequate heating. This guide explains how rent can be adjusted during prolonged heating problems, what rights and duties both tenant and landlord have, and how to document faults. You get concrete steps to contact the landlord, obtain written confirmation, seek a rent reduction and complain to the rent tribunal or the courts if there is disagreement. The text uses plain language and practical advice so you can act effectively and preserve your rights as a tenant in Denmark. There is also advice on temporary solutions, safety and what to expect in terms of compensation. The material also shows when the case should be escalated to the Rent Tribunal.

What can you do as a tenant?

If the heating is missing, it is important to react systematically: contact the landlord, get the problem confirmed in writing, document the situation and consider requesting a rent reduction. The Tenancy Act sets the framework for the condition of the dwelling and the tenant's rights.^[1]

• Contact the landlord in writing and describe the issue (contact).
• Ask for restoration of heating as soon as possible and state a desired deadline (heating).
• Document the damage with photos, dates and any measurements (evidence).
• Request a rent reduction in writing if the dwelling's value is reduced (rent).

If the landlord does not respond or denies responsibility, you can bring a case to the Rent Tribunal or to the courts. The Rent Tribunal can decide on rent reduction and compensation.^[2]

The Tenancy Act and legal basis

The Tenancy Act contains rules on maintenance, the landlord's obligations and the tenant's claims to a habitable dwelling, including heating requirements. In practice, the significance of the defect for the dwelling's value is assessed on a case-by-case basis.^[1]

How to document best

Good documentation strengthens your case with the landlord and the Rent Tribunal. Collect written correspondence, dated photos, any measurements and witness statements. Send documentation as attachments in e-mail or by registered mail.

FAQ

What can I demand if there is a prolonged heating outage?

You can demand repair, request a rent reduction and in relevant cases demand compensation for lost value of the dwelling.

Where do I complain if the landlord does not solve the problem?

You can complain to the local Rent Tribunal or bring the case before the courts, depending on the nature of the case.

Do I have to pay rent during a heating outage?

As a rule you must pay rent, but you can apply for a rent reduction for the period in which the dwelling's value is reduced.

How-To

1. Write to the landlord with a clear description and request confirmation (contact).
2. Give a reasonable deadline for repair and note the timing (heating).
3. Collect photos, dates and any witnesses as documentation (evidence).
4. Request a rent reduction in writing and keep a copy of the request (file).
5. If you cannot agree, submit a complaint to the Rent Tribunal (rent).

Key Takeaways

• Act quickly and document everything from day one.
• Do not move out before clarifying compensation or rent reduction if you want reimbursement.
• Seek advice from the Rent Tribunal or counseling before taking legal steps.

Help and support / Resources

• Borger.dk – guidance and standard forms (contact)
• Rent Tribunal – information on complaint process (contact)
• Retsinformation – Tenancy Act and legal texts (contact)

1. [1] Retsinformation — Tenancy Act
2. [2] Rent Tribunal — Complaint guidance
3. [3] Borger.dk — Guidance and forms