Tenant Data Rights in Denmark: GDPR Guide

As a tenant in Denmark you have rights under GDPR^[2] and rental legislation^[1], especially when a landlord requests personal information for screening or stores your data. This article explains which details a landlord typically collects, how data may be stored, how long it can be kept, and how you can access, correct or request deletion of information. We outline practical steps to request access, document misuse of data, and how to appeal to the Tenancy Board^[3] or authorities. The language is simple and the advice is aimed at tenants in Denmark so you can act confidently and protect your rights today. Read on for concrete examples and template letters you can use.

What does personal data mean for tenants?

Personal data are details that can identify you directly or indirectly. For tenants this can include name, CPR number, contact information, financial details and information obtained during screening. A landlord may only collect information relevant to the tenancy and must state the purpose of processing. If information is used to refuse a lease, you should be able to receive an explanation and see which data formed the basis.

What can a landlord collect and what is not allowed?

• Contact details (contact): name, phone and email.
• Financial details (rent, deposit): rent, income or deposit information.
• Credit or payment information (payment): payment remarks or debt details.
• Special sensitive data (health, race) should generally not be collected without specific legal basis.

Storage and deletion

Data should only be stored as long as necessary for the purpose collected. The landlord must ensure appropriate security against unauthorized access and be able to explain retention periods. You can request deletion or restriction of processing if information is incorrect or no longer necessary.

Your rights and how to assert them

1. Submit a written request for access (file) to the landlord and ask for a copy of the information processed.
2. Document what has been shared: save emails, messages and photos as evidence (document).
3. Contact the landlord first to correct errors; if unmet, contact the Tenancy Board or the Data Protection Authority for guidance (contact).
4. Be aware of deadlines: responses to requests should be given within a reasonable time or as specified by law (deadline).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I request access to?

You can request to know which personal data the landlord processes about you, the purpose of processing and where the information originates.

Can the landlord require my CPR number?

The landlord may only require a CPR number if there is a legitimate purpose and legal basis; often name and other identifiers are sufficient.

What if my data are incorrect?

Contact the landlord in writing and request correction. If this does not help, you can complain to the Tenancy Board or the Data Protection Authority.

How-To

1. Write a request for access and send it to the landlord (file).
2. Keep or attach documentation of what you have shared (document).
3. Contact the Tenancy Board for guidance if the landlord does not respond or refuses unreasonably (contact).
4. Consider filing a formal complaint with the Data Protection Authority or the courts for serious unlawful processing (court).

Key takeaways

• Tenants have rights to access, correction and deletion of personal data.
• Always keep records of communications and shared documents.
• Observe applicable deadlines when requesting information or filing complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

• Retsinformation: Legislation and regulations
• Borger.dk: Guidance on personal data and rights
• Tenancy Board: Complaints and guidance for tenants

1. [1] Retsinformation
2. [2] Borger.dk
3. [3] Huslejenævn