Temporary Rental: Tenant Rights in Denmark
As a tenant, it can be difficult to know who must pay for repairs or what rights you have in temporary rental situations in Denmark. This guide explains clearly what landlords normally are responsible for, which minor repairs tenants may be expected to pay for, and how to document defects. You will get concrete advice on written reporting, reasonable deadlines and options to complain to the Rent Tribunal or go to court if the problem is not resolved. The information is intended for ordinary tenants without a legal background and points to official sources so you can act confidently and effectively. Read on for step-by-step guidance, examples and contact options.
Maintenance and repairs
The difference between landlord and tenant responsibility is often decided by whether the defect is due to normal wear, building faults or tenant neglect. The Tenancy Act sets the framework for when the landlord must remedy defects and when the tenant may be responsible for minor repairs.[1]
- Landlord responsibility for major repairs and maintenance (repair) such as heating, roof and installations.
- Tenant payment of minor repairs and ordinary cleaning (pay) if stated in the lease agreement.
- Acute faults require prompt reporting and often immediate action (time) to prevent damage.
Keep all communication with the landlord and receipts for repairs.
What you can do about defects
When you find a defect, it is best to act clearly and systematically: report the error in writing, document with photos and give the landlord a reasonable time to remedy the problem. If the landlord does not respond, consider contacting the Rent Tribunal or seeking legal help.[2]
- Write a formal defect report to the landlord with date and description (notice) and keep a copy.
- Take photos and note times for problems and repairs (photo).
- Give the landlord a reasonable deadline to act (deadline), typically depending on the severity of the problem.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal if the dispute cannot be resolved directly with the landlord (court).[3]
Respond to legal notices within deadlines to preserve your rights.
FAQ
- Who pays for a defective heating system?
- As a general rule, the landlord is responsible for defects in heating installations, unless the tenant has caused the damage. [1]
- How quickly must the landlord remedy an acute fault?
- For acute faults such as lack of heating or water, prompt action is expected; what is 'prompt' depends on the severity and the tenancy situation. [1]
- How do I complain to the Rent Tribunal?
- You typically start with a written complaint to the Rent Tribunal and attach documentation such as photos, the lease and correspondence. [3]
How-To
- Write a written defect report to the landlord with date and request for remedy.
- Document the defect with photos, video and a log of the fault's development.
- Give the landlord a reasonable deadline to remedy the defect, e.g. 7–14 days depending on severity.
- Submit a complaint to the Rent Tribunal if the landlord does not resolve the issue, and include all documentation.
Key takeaways
- Good documentation increases your chances of success in a dispute.
- Minor repairs can be the tenant's responsibility, major faults are usually the landlord's.
- Provide written notice and respect deadlines to protect your rights.
Help and support / Resources
- Retsinformation - Tenancy Act
- Borger.dk - Tenant and landlord information
- Rent Tribunal - Complaint guidance
