Tenant guide: electricity, water and heat - who pays in Denmark
Who pays for electricity, water and heating?
The rules depend on the tenancy agreement and practice in your municipality. According to the Lease Act it must be clear who pays for consumption or whether a conto is charged; if not, general rules on allocation and documentation apply.[1] Many buildings have individual meters, but in other cases expenses are distributed according to an allocation key.
A conto vs fixed settlements
A conto is an ongoing amount based on expected consumption, while fixed settlements are a set sum or included in the rent. An annual account often shows the final allocation.
- A conto payments are typically charged monthly and adjusted against actual consumption.
- Fixed settlements can be convenient but may lead to unfair allocation if consumption varies greatly.
- Accounts and meter readings must document consumption at the end of the period.
Documents you should request
Ask the landlord or administrator for copies of accounts and meter readings and clear explanations of allocation keys.
- Tenancy agreement with clauses on payment of utilities.
- Receipts and bank statements for payments of electricity, water and heating.
- Meter readings or reading logs from the administrator.
- Written requests or letters between tenant and landlord.
How to gather evidence and complain
Write to the landlord and request copies of accounts and meter readings. Keep all receipts, take photos of meters and note reading dates. If the landlord does not respond or refuses to show documents, you can complain to the rent tribunal or take the case to court.[2]
FAQ
- Do I as a tenant have to pay for hot water?
- It depends on the tenancy agreement and meter allocation; often the tenant pays for their own consumption, but some buildings distribute expenses centrally.
- Which documents prove my consumption?
- Meter readings, consumption receipts, accounts from the administrator and bank statements are the most useful documents.
- What do I do if the landlord refuses to show accounts?
- Send a written request, keep proof of sending and contact the rent tribunal for guidance or help with a complaint.[3]
How-To
- Collect documents: tenancy agreement, receipts and meter readings.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request a copy of the accounts.
- Save photos, receipts and correspondence as evidence.
- If there is no response, file a complaint with the rent tribunal or consider legal action.
