Can Landlord Charge Rent During Heating Failure in Denmark
As a tenant it can feel unsafe if heating fails and warm conditions disappear in your rental home. This guide explains what rights you as a tenant in Denmark have, how rent can be adjusted during prolonged heating failures, and which steps you can take to have the problem remedied or claim a rent reduction. I briefly review relevant rules in the Rent Act, practical documentation requirements and options to complain to the Rent Tribunal or go to the courts. The aim is to give clear, practical advice without legal jargon so you can act quickly, protect your rights and assess whether you should contact your landlord or seek external help. Situations can be short-term or long-term, and your response depends on duration and severity.
What does the law say?
The landlord is obliged to ensure basic habitability of the dwelling, including heating. If heating fails for an extended period, the tenant may be entitled to a rent reduction or remediation by the landlord. The assessment depends on duration, cause and the degree of inconvenience for the tenant[1].
What can you do as a tenant?
The following practical steps help protect your rights and prepare a possible complaint:
- Write to the landlord immediately describing the defect, timing and which rooms are affected.
- Document the issue with dates, photos and any meter readings.
- Request in writing that the defect be remedied and an estimate for when heating will be restored.
- Consider demanding a temporary rent reduction if the defect is significant and persists.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice if the landlord does not respond.
How is rent reduction assessed?
When assessing a reduction, the Rent Tribunal and courts consider the duration of the heating failure, how much the dwelling's utility value is reduced, and whether the landlord acted promptly to fix the fault. There is no fixed rate; the reduction is determined concretely based on inconvenience and scope. If the case involves repeated or long downtimes, documentation and ongoing communication strengthen your position when filing a complaint to the Rent Tribunal[2].
FAQ
- Can the landlord charge full rent while there is a heating failure?
- The landlord cannot necessarily charge full rent if lack of heating significantly reduces the utility value; you may be entitled to a reduction depending on scope and duration.
- How should I best document a heating problem?
- Take photos, note times, keep correspondence with the landlord and possibly measure temperatures or readings to show the extent.
- Where do I complain if the landlord does not fix it?
- You can complain to the local Rent Tribunal or seek advice from a tenant organization or lawyer about next steps.
How-To
- Contact the landlord in writing and document the problem with date and photos.
- Request timely remediation and offers of temporary measures if relevant.
- Calculate a realistic claim for rent reduction or assistance with alternative heating options.
- Submit a complaint to the Rent Tribunal if the landlord refuses to remedy or compensate.
