Tenant complaint about viewings during re-rental in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark you may be asked to allow your home to be shown during re-rental or sale. This can create uncertainty about privacy, access and which rules apply. If you experience unreasonable viewings, lack of notice, repeated disturbances or breaches of privacy, you have the option to complain or appeal. This article explains your basic rights as a tenant, how proper notice and access should be handled, what documentation strengthens a complaint, and where you can file a case — e.g. the Rent Tribunal or the courts. We go through step by step what you should do, which deadlines apply, and how to best protect your privacy in Denmark.
What can you complain about?
This list shows typical reasons to complain about viewings:
- Missing or short notice (notice).
- Unannounced or unreasonable access to the property (entry/keys).
- Photography or recording without consent that invades privacy (privacy).
- Lack of documentation from the landlord for the need to re-rent or sell (evidence/document).
- Threats, harassment or other safety issues related to viewings (illegal/safety).
- If you are not given the opportunity to have the case reviewed or appealed (court/hearing).
Your rights as a tenant are described in the Rent Act (Lejeloven)[1], and concrete cases about viewings are often handled by the Rent Tribunal[2].
What can you do first?
Follow these practical steps to protect your rights:
- Request written notice and a specific time for the viewing (notice).
- Insist on reasonable time windows and limit the number of viewings (appointment/time).
- Refuse access without valid reason or without your consent to key use (entry/keys).
- Collect documentation: dates, times, messages and photos (evidence).
- Seek advice from tenant organizations or resident councils if unsure (contact/help).
How to file a complaint
If dialogue with the landlord does not help, you can file a formal complaint. Many start by complaining to the Rent Tribunal[2], which can assess both access and privacy breaches. In more complex cases, the courts can handle a dispute.
FAQ
- Who can I complain to if my landlord shows the property without notice?
- Start by complaining in writing to your landlord. If that does not help, you can complain to the Rent Tribunal[2] or seek legal advice.
- What documentation do I need for a complaint?
- Collect dates, times, emails, texts, photos/videos and witness statements; the more concrete documentation, the stronger the case.
- Can a landlord require access to show the property to potential new tenants?
- A landlord may request viewings, but access must be with reasonable notice and without violating your privacy according to the Rent Act (Lejeloven)[1].
How-To
- Collect all relevant documentation: messages, dates and photos.
- Send a written complaint to the landlord and request limitation or changes to viewings.
- If the landlord does not comply, submit a complaint to the Rent Tribunal[2] with all documentation.
- Observe deadlines and attend meetings or negotiations; follow the stated timelines in the process.
- If necessary, consider appealing a decision to the courts or seeking further legal assistance.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Retsinformation - Rent Act (Lejeloven)
- [2] Rent Tribunal (Huslejenævn) official site
- [3] Borger.dk - complaint and application forms
