Who Pays for Repairs? Tenant Rights in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, it can be unclear who must pay for maintenance and repairs in your home. This guide explains tenant rights, common obligations for landlord and tenant, and how to use your tenancy agreement and the Tenancy Act to determine responsibility[1]. You will get concrete steps to contact a tenant association, file a complaint with the rent tribunal, or collect documentation if work is not carried out. The content is written for non-lawyers and helps you understand what to expect regarding rent, services and safety in Denmark. Examples include problems with heating, water or mold, and who normally covers the costs. We also describe how to obtain quotes, document faults and ensure the landlord responds promptly.
Who pays what?
In general, the landlord is responsible for building maintenance and installations, while the tenant covers minor maintenance and damage caused by use. What applies specifically is set out in the Tenancy Act and your lease agreement[1]. If you disagree, Borger.dk and the rent tribunal can provide guidance on procedures and complaint options[2].
In most tenancies, the landlord is responsible for major building maintenance.
Typical landlord responsibilities
- Building structure and roof (repair).
- Heating systems and central installations (heating).
- Main installations for electricity, water and drains (repair).
- Statutory safety measures such as gas and fire safety (safety).
Typical tenant responsibilities
- Minor upkeep and daily cleaning (repair).
- Repairs for damage caused by the tenant's actions (repair).
- Notify the landlord promptly and in writing about faults or damage (contact).
Always keep receipts and photographs as documentation.
How to document and complain
Follow clear steps: check your lease, report faults in writing, gather evidence and contact the relevant authorities if the landlord does not follow up.
- Check the lease for maintenance clauses (form).
- Send a written defect report to the landlord and keep a copy (submit).
- Take photos, note dates and obtain quotes from tradespeople (evidence).
- Contact a tenant association for advice or contact the rent tribunal in case of dispute (contact).
- Submit documentation and a complaint to the rent tribunal if necessary (file).
Respond to written demands within deadlines to preserve your rights.
Frequently asked questions
- Who pays for a leaking tap?
- Minor repairs may be the tenant's responsibility, but if the leak is due to a building installation, the landlord usually pays.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs are not made?
- Withholding rent is risky; contact a tenant association or the rent tribunal for guidance before acting.
- What do I do if the landlord does not respond?
- Document the issue, send a written reminder and contact the rent tribunal or a tenant association for help.[3]
How-To
- Check the contract and locate relevant clauses (form).
- Send a written defect report to the landlord with photos and dates (submit).
- Obtain quotes from tradespeople and keep documentation (evidence).
- Contact a local tenant association for advice (contact).
- File a formal complaint with the rent tribunal if the issue is not resolved (file).
Help and Support / Resources
- Read the Tenancy Act on Retsinformation
- Guidance on renting and complaints at Borger.dk
- Contact the Rent Tribunal for your municipality
