Noise, Quiet Periods and Logs for Tenants in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, noise from neighbours and rules about quiet periods can create uncertainty about who should pay for solutions or documentation such as a noise log. This article explains practically how responsibility and costs are typically divided between tenants and landlords, which types of evidence help your case, and which official complaint options exist in Denmark. We cover how to keep a noise log, the rules in the Rent Act, and how to submit a complaint to the rent tribunal or the courts if dialogue does not resolve the problem. The language is simple, and the advice is aimed at tenants who want to act calmly and correctly. Read on for practical steps, templates and links to official resources.
What does responsibility and payment mean?
As a rule, the landlord is responsible for ensuring the rental property's ordinary usability, but specific costs for repairs or technical measurements can be shared or imposed on the party that caused the problem. See rules in the Rent Act [1].
The Rent Act sets the framework for the landlord's responsibility for housing standards.
Documentation: How to keep a noise log
A thorough noise log makes your complaint much stronger. Note date, time, duration, type of noise and how it affects your daily life.
- Record the date and exact times for each incident.
- Describe the character of the noise and whether it repeats.
- Take photos or record short audio clips as supporting evidence.
- Keep all written communications between you and the landlord or neighbour.
Detailed documentation improves the chances of a positive outcome.
Steps if dialogue does not help
Always start by contacting the neighbour or landlord and try to resolve the issue politely. Then send a short written complaint referencing your noise log.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request remediation within a reasonable deadline.
- Send a formal complaint to the rent tribunal if the landlord does not respond [2].
- Consider legal advice before taking steps such as rent reduction or withholding rent.
Respond to inquiries from authorities within deadlines to preserve your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays for noise measurement or technical inspection?
- It depends on the cause and the lease; often the landlord covers necessary repairs, but special measurements may require an agreement or payment by the party requesting the measurement.
- Can I withhold rent due to neighbour noise?
- Withholding rent is risky without a clear legal basis; contact the rent tribunal for guidance and follow their procedure [2].
- Which laws apply to noise in tenancy?
- Rules on the condition of the dwelling and the landlord's duties are found in the Rent Act [1], and local house rules may also be relevant.
How to
- Collect documentation: noise log, photos and audio recordings.
- Write to the neighbour and landlord and request a written resolution.
- Submit a formal complaint to the rent tribunal if dialogue does not help [2].
- Seek free or low-cost advice from the municipality or tenant associations before litigation.
