Check Utility Accounts as Tenant in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark you may be asked to check the utility account for heating, water and electricity. It may seem technical, but with a simple routine you can review the numbers, compare meter readings, understand a conto payments versus fixed charges and spot errors. This guide explains step by step which documents to collect, what rights you have as a tenant, and how to notify the landlord in writing of discrepancies. You will also find information about complaint options to the Huslejenævn and relevant public sources in Denmark so you can act purposefully, meet deadlines and protect your financial interests without being a lawyer. Read on for concrete steps and templates.
What does the utility account mean for you as a tenant?
The utility account shows how the cost of heating, water and electricity is distributed between tenant and landlord or between several tenants in the same property. The account must be understandable, and calculations must be documented according to applicable rules and the lease agreement [1].
How do you review the account?
Review the account systematically to find typing errors, incorrect meter readings or wrong allocation keys.
- Check dates, meter readings and consumption periods.
- Compare invoices and receipts with meter readings.
- Check a conto payments versus actual consumption and calculate any refund or additional charge.
If you find errors or discrepancies
Act quickly: document the error, contact the landlord in writing and state what you believe is incorrect and the correction you request. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can use complaint options at the Huslejenævn or seek guidance on Borger.dk [2].
- Submit a written error report to the landlord with a reasonable deadline for response.
- Collect meter readings, photos and receipts as evidence for your claims.
- If the landlord does not correct the error, file a complaint with the Huslejenævn including documentation [3].
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if the numbers in the account do not match?
- Contact the landlord in writing, show documentation of your meter readings, and request an explanation or correction. If you cannot agree, you can complain to the Huslejenævn [3].
- Can the landlord change a conto charges after the account?
- The landlord can adjust charges based on actual consumption, but changes must be documented in the account and comply with the rules in the rent law (Lejeloven) [1].
- Where can I find official templates and guidance?
- Borger.dk and Huslejenaevn.dk provide guidance and information on the complaint process and which documents you should attach [2].
How to
- Gather all available meter readings, invoices and receipts.
- Calculate a conto payments against actual consumption to find discrepancies.
- Write a brief and precise written objection to the landlord with attachments and your requested remedy.
- If the issue is not resolved, file a complaint with the Huslejenævn including documentation and copies of correspondence.
Key takeaways
- Documentation is your strongest evidence in a utility account dispute.
- Respect deadlines for responses and appeals to preserve your rights.
- Seek guidance from the Huslejenævn or citizens advice if in doubt.
Help and support / Resources
- Retsinformation: Rent law and regulations
- Borger.dk: guidance for tenants
- Huslejenævn: complaints and case handling
