Can Landlord Review Your Utility Account in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, it can be unclear what your landlord may review in the utility account. This text helps tenants understand rules around heating, water and electricity, the difference between advance (a conto) payments and fixed amounts, and which documents a landlord may request access to. You receive concrete advice on documentation, deadlines for objections and how to complain to the rent tribunal if you believe the account is incorrect. The language is simple, and step-by-step sections show practical actions so you as a tenant can protect your rights without prior legal knowledge.
What may the landlord review?
The landlord may typically check consumption measurements and obtain invoices that document heating, water and electricity for the rented property. Requests must be relevant and proportional; the landlord cannot demand private expenses or information unrelated to the tenancy. The legal basis is found in the Tenancy Act and practice from rent tribunals and courts on which documents a landlord may demand.[2]
Which documents can the landlord usually request?
- Itemized invoices from utility companies (meter readings and amounts).
- Statements of advance payments and final settlements.
- Access to meter readings inside the dwelling if the meter is located there.
- Any prior consumption statements documenting the allocation method.
What can you do as a tenant in case of disagreement?
Review the documents carefully: check meter readings, consumption periods and any allocation methods. Request copies of specific invoices and record dates and amounts. Objections should be made in writing to the landlord with concrete remarks on which items you dispute and why.
When can the matter be referred to the rent tribunal?
If you and the landlord cannot agree, you can file a complaint with the rent tribunal. State specific points in your complaint, attach copies of meter readings, invoices and correspondence with the landlord, and explain why you believe the account is incorrect. The rent tribunal assesses both the documentation and the reasonableness of the account.[1]
FAQ
- Can the landlord demand to see all my receipts?
- No. The landlord can only require documentation that is relevant to the calculation of consumption in the tenancy, not private receipts unrelated to consumption.
- How long do I have to object to a utility account?
- It is important to act quickly and in writing. Practical deadlines may vary, but you should file an objection as soon as you notice the discrepancy and within a reasonable time after receipt.
- How much does it cost to complain to the rent tribunal?
- Rules on fees may vary; many rent tribunals do not charge a case fee for tenants, but check the specific tribunal's rules or get guidance from borger.dk.
How to
- Collect documentation: keep meter readings, invoices and correspondence.
- Send a written objection to the landlord with copies of the documents you believe show an error.
- If no resolution is found, submit a complaint to the rent tribunal with a clear description of the dispute.
- Seek guidance from your municipality's rent tribunal or via borger.dk for help with case handling.
Help and Support / Resources
- Rent Tribunal - Guidance and complaint instructions
- Tenancy Act - Retsinformation
- Borger.dk - Official guidance for tenants
