Report Housing Discrimination as a Tenant in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark you may experience housing discrimination — unequal treatment because of age, gender, ethnicity, family status or disability. This guide is written for tenants and explains how to come forward and report discrimination in the housing market. You get concrete steps to document incidents, collect photos and messages, write a clear written complaint and send it to the right authorities. We also describe relevant deadlines, which types of evidence are strongest, and how the rent tribunal or courts may handle your case. The aim is to give tenants in Denmark practical, understandable help so you can protect your rights and get support if you experience unfair treatment from landlords or property managers.
What is housing discrimination?
Housing discrimination means a tenant is treated differently or denied housing because of protected characteristics such as ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability or family status. Discrimination can be direct (e.g., refusal to rent) or indirect (e.g., unreasonable requirements that disproportionately affect certain groups).
How do you document a case?
Good documentation increases the chances of a positive outcome. Collect all written material, take photos and note times and witnesses. Keep texts, emails, ads and tenancy agreements.
- Take photos of messages, damages or other relevant conditions.
- Save emails, texts and ads that show discriminatory treatment.
- Write a detailed timeline with dates, times and any witnesses.
- Contact neighbors or witnesses and note their contact details if they agree to confirm events.
When and where should you report?
Start by sending a written complaint to the landlord. If the landlord's response is insufficient, you can complain to the rent tribunal or seek guidance on borger.dk. Some cases may also lead to civil litigation if the matter is serious.
- Write a clear, concise complaint to the landlord with attachments and a request for remedy.
- Send the complaint within a reasonable time after the incident to avoid issues with evidence.
- If the landlord does not respond, submit the complaint and documentation to the rent tribunal.
FAQ
- What counts as housing discrimination?
- Housing discrimination is unequal treatment in housing situations because of protected characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, age, disability or family status.
- How do I start a complaint?
- Begin with a written notice to the landlord, document the incident and file a complaint to the rent tribunal if the landlord does not remedy the issue.
- Which authorities can help me?
- You can get help and guidance from the rent tribunal, via borger.dk and, in some cases, by seeking legal advice or going to the courts.
How-To
- Collect documentation: photos, messages, ads and contracts.
- Write a brief written complaint to the landlord with clear demands for remedy.
- If the landlord does not act, submit the complaint and documentation to the rent tribunal.
- Seek legal advice if the case is complex or you consider litigation.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] borger.dk - Official guidance for citizens
- [2] retsinformation.dk - The Rent Act and relevant legislation
- [3] huslejenaevn.dk - Contact your local rent tribunal
