Tenant: Installing Grab Bars and Ramps in Denmark
What can you do as a tenant?
Always start by telling the landlord about your need and proposing a solution. Describe exactly where grab bars or ramps should be placed and why they are necessary for your daily life. Refer to the Lease Act for your rights and reasonable adjustments[1], and say that you can provide documentation if needed.
- Contact the landlord in writing and describe the change clearly.
- Document the need with a medical statement, social decision or photos.
- Request written permission or a clear agreement on installation and responsibility.
- Choose a qualified installer and keep invoices and warranty documents.
- Agree who pays: some adjustments are considered the tenant's responsibility, others the landlord's.
Installation and responsibility
It is important to have a written agreement on who pays for the installation and who is responsible for maintenance. Temporary solutions can be agreed for the short term, but permanent changes often require the landlord's consent or a specific agreement on restoration at move-out. Save photos before and after installation and get all agreements in writing.
Complaints and disputes
If the landlord refuses without a valid reason, or you cannot agree on payment and responsibility, you can complain to the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice. The Rent Tribunal handles disputes about reasonable adjustments and can give a formal decision[3]. Before you complain, gather all documentation, correspondence and quotes for the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I always need the landlord's permission?
- You should always seek the landlord's written consent, especially for permanent changes; some reasonable adjustments may however have special protection under the rules.
- Who pays for the installation?
- It depends on the agreement and situation; sometimes the landlord covers the cost, other times the expense falls to the tenant, or a shared solution is agreed.
- What if the landlord refuses?
- Document the refusal and consider filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or seeking advice through tenant advice channels.
How to
- Send a written request to the landlord explaining the need and proposed solution.
- Collect documentation: medical statement, photos and any quotes from installers.
- Obtain written permission or agree clear terms for payment and restoration.
- Hire a qualified installer and ensure the work is documented with invoice and photos.
- Keep all correspondence and receipts so you can prove agreements if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Retsinformation - Lease Act
- [2] Borger.dk - Housing rights help
- [3] Rent Tribunal - Complaint guidance
