Noise and Nuisance: Tenant Rights in Denmark
What do the rules say?
As a tenant in Denmark, the Tenancy Act generally governs your rights regarding noise and nuisance.[1] The landlord has an obligation to ensure the dwelling is habitable, and undue noise may constitute a breach of that duty.
Stay calm and communicate in writing to preserve documentation.
What can you do?
The following steps help you address problems with noise and nuisance:
- Contact the landlord in writing and describe the problem.
- Document the noise: note dates and times, and record audio or video.
- Review the tenancy agreement for any clauses about quiet and shared rules.
- Send a formal complaint to the landlord or the rent tribunal within a reasonable timeframe.
Respond to letters and meeting invitations promptly to avoid losing rights.
Documentation and evidence
Good documentation makes a big difference. Keep recordings, photos, a log of times, and any witness statements. You can find guides and forms on Borger.dk.[3]
If no solution is reached
If the landlord does not respond, you can complain to the rent tribunal or seek legal advice.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I complain about noise?
- You can complain when the noise is unreasonable, repeated, or exceeds normal living conditions.
- What is required to win a complaint?
- You must be able to document the scope and frequency of the noise with notes, recordings, or witnesses.
- Does it cost anything to complain to the rent tribunal?
- It is usually free to file a complaint, but there may be costs for legal advice.
How to
- Write a short, factual message to the landlord with dates and descriptions.
- Collect evidence: note times, record audio, and obtain witness statements.
- File a formal complaint with the rent tribunal and save all responses.
- Seek help from local tenant organizations or legal advice if necessary.
