Tenant mistakes: energy label and rent in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, information from the energy label can affect the level of rent, especially if the landlord cites energy use or improvements as a reason for a rent increase. Many tenants lack knowledge about how the energy label may be used, which documents must be provided, and when a rent change is legally valid. This article explains common mistakes regarding energy labels and rent, how to check calculations, which pieces of evidence help in a dispute, and how to complain to the Tenancy Board or find information on borger.dk and retsinformation. Read on for practical advice and templates.
What are the common mistakes?
Several recurring problems appear when energy labels and rent are mixed. In some cases the energy label is used as proof of improvements or expected consumption without documentation, or the landlord changes the rent without proper basis in the Rent Act [1].
- Landlord uses the energy label as justification for a rent increase (rent) without concrete calculations or agreement.
- Missing or incorrect written lease agreement, so terms for including improvements in the rent are unclear.
- No documentation of measured conditions or actual costs, e.g. missing meters or receipts (evidence).
- Rent increases are not notified correctly or without the notices and deadlines required by the rules (warning).
- Improvements are recorded as permanent in the rent without showing real installation costs or utility (repair).
In most cases tenants are entitled to basic habitability and proper documentation.
What can you do as a tenant?
If you face a dispute about rent or the energy label, it is important to gather all relevant documentation and know your options for filing a complaint. You can find guidance and standard forms on borger.dk [2] and bring cases to the Tenancy Board or the courts depending on the matter [3].
- Collect documentation: lease, energy label, receipts, photos and correspondence (evidence).
- Request a written explanation from the landlord and concrete calculations if rent is changed (form).
- Contact your municipality or the Tenancy Board for advice before filing a complaint (help).
- Observe deadlines: responses and complaints often must be submitted within specific timeframes (calendar).
Keep all emails, receipts and photos organized in one folder for a potential complaint.
When should you complain?
Complaint is relevant if the landlord has raised the rent without reasonable justification, included improvements without proper calculation, or misused the energy label to justify unreasonable demands. Start by requesting documentation in writing and note dates of all communication.
FAQ
- Can the energy label alone justify a rent increase?
- No. The energy label can be part of the documentation, but the landlord must show concrete calculations or costs required by law.
- Where do I file a complaint if I believe the rent is unfair?
- You can complain to your local Tenancy Board or consult borger.dk for guidance on the procedure.
- Which documents are most important in a complaint?
- Lease, statements of improvement costs, the energy label, receipts, photos and all written correspondence are central pieces of evidence.
How to
- Check the lease for agreed terms about improvements and rent adjustments.
- Gather documentation in chronological order and make a short summary of your claims.
- Seek advice from the Tenancy Board or legal counsel to assess the case before filing a formal complaint.
- Submit a complaint to the Tenancy Board or take the case to the district court if necessary, including copies of all documentation.
Help and resources
- Retsinformation - Rent Act
- Borger.dk - Guidance on rent and complaints
- Tenancy Board - Contact and procedures
