Who Pays for Electricity, Water and Heat? Tenants in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark you may face unclear rules about who pays for electricity, water and heating. This guide explains in plain language which costs normally fall on tenants and landlords, the difference between a conto payments and fixed heating charges, and how shared meters affect allocation. You will get practical advice on what to check in your lease, which documents are useful in a dispute, and how to contact the Rent Tribunal or public services. The aim is to give you a clear overview so you can assess your situation, avoid unexpected bills and act correctly if you believe the payment responsibility is wrong. Read on for concrete steps you can follow.
Who pays for electricity, water and heating?
In many rentals in Denmark the tenant pays electricity directly to the supplier, while heating and hot water may be included in the rent or billed separately as a conto or fixed charge depending on the lease and the building's heating system. Public rules in the Rent Act can affect allocation and provisions for billing and documentation.[1]
A conto vs fixed charges
A conto is an advance based on expected consumption; final settlement typically takes place once a year. Fixed charges are a fixed monthly amount that may be agreed in the lease. If anything is unclear, ask the landlord for an explanation and documentation of the calculation.
Shared meters and allocation
If the property has shared meters or central heating, the cost can be distributed by consumption or area. Check how meter readings, reading periods and allocation keys are described in your documents.
- The tenant usually pays electricity according to their own consumption directly to the provider or via conto billing.
- Condo conto charges are often adjusted annually, where either the tenant receives a refund or pays a balance.
- For central heating, maintenance and repairs are often the landlord's responsibility, but this should be stated in the contract.
What to do in case of disagreement
First gather all relevant documentation: the lease, electricity and heating bills, emails and receipts. Try to communicate in writing with the landlord about the issue and request a specific settlement or explanation. If you cannot agree, contact the local Rent Tribunal or seek guidance from public services.[2]
FAQ
- Who pays electricity in a typical rental?
- The tenant normally pays electricity directly to the supplier unless otherwise agreed in the lease.
- What is an a conto payment?
- An a conto payment is an advance based on expected consumption, which is settled in a final reconciliation.
- Can a landlord require fixed heating charges?
- Yes, if it is stated in the lease and complies with applicable rules and agreements.
- Where do I complain if I disagree?
- You can contact the Rent Tribunal or find guidance on public tenant services.
How to
- Check the lease and note deadlines for settlement or complaint.
- Collect invoices, receipts and correspondence as documentation of payments and consumption.
- Send a formal request to the landlord for an explanation and detailed settlement.
- If you cannot agree, submit your documentation to the Rent Tribunal or seek municipal advice.
- Contact relevant authorities or advisory centers for support and guidance.
Key Takeaways
- Always check the lease to see who pays which expenses.
- Keep bills and correspondence as proof in disputes.
- Use the Rent Tribunal or public services if you cannot resolve the issue with the landlord.
