Dispute Incorrect Statement for Tenants in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark you may receive a settlement from your landlord — for example for utilities, heating, deposit or on moving out — that you believe is incorrect. This guide explains how to dispute an incorrect statement, what rights tenants have under Danish law, and which documents and deadlines matter. I go through practical steps you can follow, how to document errors, and when it makes sense to contact the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice. The language is plain and aimed at tenants in Denmark so you get concrete actions and links to official sources to act quickly and protect your rights.
What is an incorrect statement?
An incorrect statement can be a wrong amount for consumption, unjustified deductions from the deposit, or calculation errors in the final settlement after moving out. If the landlord based the amount on incorrect measurements, missing receipts or claims without documentation, you as a tenant have the right to protest and demand an explanation.[1]
When should you protest?
Protest as soon as possible after you receive the statement. Many statements specify a deadline; even if there is no explicit deadline, you should not delay, as evidence can become harder to obtain over time.[2]
- Unjustified charges for rent, advance payments or extra fees.
- Claims about repairs that you believe are the landlord's responsibility.
- Unfounded deposit deductions without receipts or documentation.
- Calculation errors that affect refunds or amounts due.
What should a written protest contain?
Your written protest should be clear and documented. Send it by registered post or by email you can prove has been sent, and keep copies of everything.
- Description of the error and which figures you believe are wrong, with dates.
- Copy of the landlord's statement and any contracts or attachments.
- Receipts or invoices supporting your claims about deductions or refunds.
- State how the landlord can contact you and set a reasonable deadline for a reply.
FAQ
- How long do I have to protest?
- Protest as soon as possible; many statements specify a deadline, and common practical advice is to respond within 14 days after receipt, or immediately after you discover the error.
- Can I complain to the Rent Tribunal?
- Yes. If you cannot resolve the dispute directly, the Rent Tribunal can handle the case and issue a decision. The Rent Tribunal can often assist without a lawyer.[3]
- Do I need a lawyer?
- Not always. For simple statement errors the Rent Tribunal may be sufficient, but for larger financial claims or complicated evidentiary issues legal advice can be helpful.
How to
- Act quickly: read the statement carefully and note errors within the stated or a reasonable deadline.
- Collect documentation: receipts, photos, meter readings, message exchanges and the lease agreement.
- Send a clear written protest to the landlord requesting correction or clarification and set a reply deadline.
- If the landlord does not correct the statement, file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal including copies of all documentation.
- Seek advice from a tenant organization or lawyer for complex cases or large sums.
Key takeaways
- Act quickly and keep all documentation.
- Always send a clear written protest to the landlord.
- Use the Rent Tribunal for disputes before court and consider advice for complex issues.
Help and Support / Resources
- Retsinformation.dk - Lejeloven
- Borger.dk - Housing and tenancy
- Huslejenævn.dk - guidance and complaints
