Personal Data & GDPR for Tenants in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, you have the right to have your personal data processed correctly and securely. This guide explains in simple terms what GDPR means for screening processes, storage of documents from the landlord, and what rights you have as a tenant regarding access, correction and deletion of data. We also cover which information a landlord typically may collect, how long it can be stored, and how you can complain if your data is misused. The text helps you with practical steps, request templates and information about relevant public authorities in Denmark so you can act confidently and prepared on data issues in your rental.
What does personal data mean for tenants?
GDPR protects your rights as a tenant, and collection and storage of information must comply with the law, including the Danish Tenancy Act [1]. The landlord must have a legitimate purpose for processing and only keep information for as long as necessary.
As a tenant you have the right to access the information the landlord holds about you.
What may the landlord collect?
Typically a landlord may request ordinary information, but sensitive personal data usually requires your explicit consent.
- ID and CPR number
- Contact details and tenant references
- Financial information such as pay slips or payment history
- Health data or other sensitive data only with explicit consent
A landlord generally may not collect sensitive personal data without your clear consent.
Storage and deletion
Information may only be stored as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected for. When information is no longer relevant, it must be deleted or anonymized in accordance with applicable rules [1].
- Ask the landlord for an overview of which data is stored
- Ask about retention periods and purposes
- Request deletion if data is unnecessary
How do I complain or get help?
If you believe your rights have been violated, you can complain to the tenancy board or contact relevant authorities. Local tenancy boards often help with disputes between tenant and landlord [2], and Borger.dk provides guidance and standard forms [3].
Detailed documentation increases your chances of success in a dispute.
How-To
- Write a request for access to the landlord and ask for a copy of the registered information.
- Request correction if information is incorrect and document the communication in writing.
- Request deletion or restriction if information is unnecessary or unlawfully processed.
- Contact the tenancy board or the Data Protection Agency if the landlord does not comply with reasonable requests.
Keep all correspondence and copies of documents so you have evidence in case of a dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which personal data may my landlord collect?
- Landlords may collect ordinary contact and identification information and necessary financial information, but sensitive information normally requires your consent.
- How long may information be kept?
- Information may only be kept as long as necessary for the purpose; when no longer relevant it must be deleted or anonymized.
- What if the landlord refuses to delete unlawfully stored data?
- Start by requesting deletion in writing; if that fails, contact the tenancy board or the Data Protection Agency for further guidance.
Help and support / Resources
- Borger.dk: Guidance on tenant rights
- Huslejenaevn.dk: Local tenancy boards and complaint guidance
- Retsinformation.dk: The Tenancy Act and legal rules
