Tenant: Who pays electricity, water and heating in Denmark?
As a tenant in Denmark it is important to understand who normally pays for electricity, water and heating, and how billing between a conto and fixed charges works. This article explains which expenses often fall to the landlord or tenant, how meters and consumption are recorded, and what requirements apply under the Tenancy Act.[1] You will also get concrete steps to check bills, obtain documentation from the landlord, and what you can do if you disagree — including filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or progressing the case in court.[2] There is also advice on documentation, allocation in the lease, and practical examples.
What does landlord and tenant normally cover?
It often depends on the lease and meter readings: some expenses are billed directly to the utility, others are recharged by the landlord. According to the Tenancy Act the allocation may vary, but a landlord cannot simply demand payment that is not agreed or legally charged.[1]
- Electricity: Tenants often pay the electricity company directly unless the lease states it is included or there is a shared meter.
- Water: Water may be billed directly to the supplier or apportioned via advance charges from the landlord.
- Heating: Heating can be included in the rent or settled via meters and advance billing.
- Repairs and maintenance: General maintenance of the dwelling is usually the landlord's responsibility, while damage caused by the tenant can be the tenant's responsibility.
A conto vs fixed billing
A conto means you pay an estimate during the year and the landlord or utility reconciles based on actual consumption. Fixed billing means a set monthly or yearly fee without reconciliation. Always check how billing is described in the lease and obtain written documentation for advance amounts and annual settlements.
- Request annual statements and attachments for advance charges so you can verify actual meters and consumption.
- Obtain or photograph meter readings at move-in and move-out to avoid disputes about consumption.
What to do if you disagree?
Start with written contact to the landlord: request a detailed account, copies of supplier invoices and an explanation of allocation keys. Collect documentation: lease, meter readings, photos and correspondence. If the landlord does not respond or the bill seems unreasonable, you can submit a written complaint to the Rent Tribunal.[2] For more complex disputes the case can be brought before the district court.
FAQ
- Do I pay electricity as a tenant?
- Usually the tenant pays electricity directly to the electricity company unless the lease states that electricity is included or distributed via the landlord.
- Can the landlord demand unreasonable payment for heating?
- The landlord can only demand payment to the extent it is agreed in the contract or follows lawful billing; you can have the case reviewed by the Rent Tribunal.[2]
- What if the meter reading is incorrect?
- Document the meter with photos, compare with previous readings, and demand an explanation and correction from the landlord or supplier.
How to
- Check the lease for who is responsible for payments.
- Gather documentation: photos of meters, invoices and correspondence.
- Contact the landlord in writing and ask for an itemised statement and copies of supplier invoices.
- Submit a written complaint to the Rent Tribunal if you cannot reach agreement.[2]
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Retsinformation - Tenancy Act
- [2] Borger.dk - Guidance on tenancy matters
- [3] Huslejenævn.dk - Submit a complaint
