Tenant rights for illness and pregnancy in Denmark
What does protection during illness or pregnancy cover?
Protection can cover against unfair termination, refusal of necessary adaptations, and obligations to maintain conditions that affect health. The Rent Act sets out basic rights and duties for tenants and landlords, including who pays for repairs and when you can demand changes.
What can you expect from the landlord?
The landlord must ensure the dwelling is habitable and carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable time. If a defect affects your health during illness or pregnancy, the landlord should respond promptly after written notice.
- Have necessary repairs performed, e.g. heating, water or dangerous installations.
- Receive written notice about changes to the tenancy or access to the dwelling.
- Right to document conditions with photos, receipts and medical certificates.
How do you document problems?
Good documentation increases the chances of success. Keep dates, photos, messages, receipts for expenses and any medical certificates showing a link between housing conditions and health.
- Take photos of damage and record dates of observations.
- Keep receipts for expenses you have paid for emergency repairs.
- Send a written request to the landlord and keep a copy of the sent message.
When should you complain or seek help?
If the landlord does not fix serious faults within a reasonable time after written notice, you can complain to the Rent Tribunal or consider court action. Use the Rent Tribunal for faster processing in many cases, especially about rent reduction or missing repairs.
What can the municipality or doctor do?
The municipality can sometimes provide advice or temporary housing adaptations. A doctor can document health-related conditions relevant to your case, for example if housing conditions affect pregnancy or illness.
FAQ
- Can my landlord evict me because of pregnancy?
- No, a landlord cannot evict you solely because of pregnancy; eviction must be objectively justified under the Rent Act.
- Who pays for necessary adaptations to the dwelling?
- It depends on the agreement and cause; many permanent changes require agreement, while urgent repairs are often the landlord's responsibility.
- How do I complain about missing repairs?
- First send a written request to the landlord. If there is no response, you can file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice.
How-To
- Read your lease and note which rights you have under the Rent Act.
- Document the issue with photos, dates and necessary medical certificates.
- Write to the landlord requesting repairs and set a reasonable deadline.
- If the landlord does not act, file a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or seek legal advice.
