Tenant rights: Heat outage in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, a sudden heat outage can cause discomfort and uncertainty. This guide explains your rights and practical steps: how to document missing heating, what demands you can make of the landlord, how rent can be adjusted or reduced, and when you should contact the rent tribunal or the courts. We review the complaint process, typical deadlines and which pieces of evidence support your case so you can act quickly and correctly. You also get concrete advice on temporary solutions, communicating with the landlord and how a reduced rent is calculated. If heating is necessary for health or safety, your options for rapid action are explained.
What can you do as a tenant?
- Contact the landlord immediately, explain the problem and ask for expected duration and remedy.
- Document time, duration and temperatures with photos, video or a logbook.
- Seek temporary solutions such as electric heating if it is safe and permitted in your dwelling.
- Always send a written reminder or claim to the landlord so there is evidence of your contact.
How do you document a heat outage?
Good documentation makes it easier to obtain rent reduction or compensation. Note the date and time for each period without heat, take photos of thermometers or radiators, and keep SMS or emails with the landlord. Consider having a neighbor or third party confirm the conditions if possible.
Rent reduction and compensation
As a tenant you may be entitled to reduced rent if the heating does not meet what was agreed or is necessary for habitation. Start by requesting remedy from the landlord and document the defect in writing. If the landlord does not respond, you can calculate a reasonable rent reduction amount and demand repayment for the period the defect existed. Seek advice from the rent tribunal or consult the relevant provisions in the Rent Act to assess your situation [1].
Deadlines and complaint options
If you cannot reach an agreement, you can bring the case before the local rent tribunal or the district court. The rent tribunal handles many disputes about rent reduction and can often be faster and cheaper than the courts [2]. Remember to meet any complaint deadlines and submit all evidence with your complaint.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do first if there is no heat?
- Contact the landlord immediately, document the problem, and send a written reminder if the issue is not resolved.
- Can I get a rent reduction during a heat outage?
- Yes, you may be entitled to a rent reduction for the period when there is a lack of heating if the landlord does not remedy the situation.
- Where do I complain if the landlord does not cooperate?
- You can bring the case before the rent tribunal or contact borger.dk for guidance on the next steps [3].
How to
- Contact the landlord by phone and also confirm the contact in writing.
- Document the defect: dates, temperature measurements, photos and witness statements.
- Send a formal demand for remedy and possible rent reduction by email or registered letter.
- Bring the case before the rent tribunal if the landlord does not fix the problem or refuses compensation.
Key takeaways
- Documentation increases the chance of success in a complaint.
- Keep all communication in writing so you have evidence of your requests.
- Contact the rent tribunal early to avoid prolonged disputes.
