Tenant's Guide: Electricity, Water, Heat in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, bills for electricity, water and heat can be unclear: some agreements include consumption in the rent, others require a conto payments followed by an annual settlement. This guide explains who normally pays for which services, what the tenancy agreement should include, and how you document consumption and errors. I also review how you complain about unreasonable charges and appeal decisions to the Tenancy Board or the courts. The language is simple and the steps are practical so you as a tenant can make informed decisions and protect your rights in Denmark.
Who pays for electricity, water and heat?
The rules are in the Tenancy Act and in your tenancy agreement. As a general rule, the person who consumes pays for electricity and water, unless the landlord has agreed otherwise or charges a conto with subsequent settlement.[1]
- Electricity: Payment often follows consumption or a conto scheme, with an annual reconciliation.
- Water: Consumption is often measured individually or allocated according to the tenancy agreement rules.
- Heat: Central heating or district heating can be included in the rent or billed separately.
- Maintenance: External and technical maintenance of the heating system is typically the landlord's responsibility.
Complaint and appeal
If you believe a charge is unreasonable, first ask the landlord for explanation and documentation. If the landlord does not provide a satisfactory reply, you can complain to the local Tenancy Board or eventually bring a case in court.[2]
On Borger.dk and the Tenancy Board sites you can find guidance and templates for complaint forms and information about deadlines.[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays a conto charge?
- It depends on the tenancy agreement; often the tenant pays a conto while the landlord settles the final account.
- What do I do if the settlement seems wrong?
- Collect documentation such as meter readings, receipts and the contract, contact the landlord in writing and file a complaint with the Tenancy Board if necessary.[2]
- Where can I find official guidance and forms?
- Use Borger.dk for guidance and Huslejenaevn.dk for local complaint options.
How to proceed
- Collect documentation: tenancy agreement, meter readings, receipts and any photos of meters.
- Send a formal written request to the landlord demanding information or correction and keep a copy.
- File a complaint with the Tenancy Board including all attachments and a description of the error.
- Attend the board meeting or follow the decision; appeals can usually be made to the courts if necessary.
Key takeaways
- Read the tenancy agreement carefully to see what is included in the rent.
- Keep meter readings and receipts regularly as evidence.
Help and support / Resources
- [1] Tenancy Act - Retsinformation
- [2] Borger.dk - Guidance for tenants
- [3] Huslejenaevn.dk - Local complaint options
