Who Pays for Waiting Lists and Applications in Denmark
As a tenant in Denmark, you may encounter situations where waiting lists or housing applications lead to fees or administrative charges. This guide briefly explains who typically bears the costs, which rules apply for public housing and private landlords, and how you can document, complain about, or contest unreasonable demands. We cover common scenarios such as membership fees for housing organizations, application processing fees, and payment for prioritization on waiting lists. You will get practical steps to obtain information, contact the landlord or housing organisation, and where to seek help from the Rent Tribunal or citizen services. The goal is to give you clear, useful knowledge to protect your rights as a tenant.
Who pays for waiting lists and applications?
There is no single answer because practices can vary between public housing, housing organisations and private landlords. Generally, applicants often pay any administrative fees, but fees may be limited or regulated by rental law and local rules.[1]
- The applicant typically pays administrative application fees if the landlord or organisation charges them.
- Housing organisations may have membership or administration fees, but these must be clearly stated in their rules.
- In some cases, fees for prioritization on waiting lists may be unlawful or subject to special rules.
Detailed documentation increases your chances in a case.
What can you do if you receive a charge?
Start by requesting a written explanation of what the fee covers and on what basis it is charged. Collect all emails, receipts and copies of application forms. If the amount seems unreasonable, send a written objection to the landlord or housing organisation and ask for a specific reference to the rules they rely on.
Keep all receipts and emails related to applications and waiting lists.
If the matter is not resolved, you can contact the Rent Tribunal or seek advice via citizen services to learn your options for complaint or legal clarification.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a housing organisation require payment to be on a waiting list?
- It depends on the organisation's statutes and applicable rules; membership or administration fees may occur but must be disclosed and proportionate.
- What do I do if a landlord charges an unlawful fee?
- Send a written objection, document the claim and consider filing a complaint with the Rent Tribunal or seeking legal advice.
- Do I have to pay to get priority on a waiting list?
- Payment for prioritization is often problematic; always get a written explanation and check the rules with the housing organisation or on retsinformation.
How to
- Obtain written information from the landlord or housing organisation about what the fee covers and the legal basis used.
- Collect documentation: applications, receipts, emails and any rulebooks from the housing organisation.
- Send a formal, written objection to the party that charged the fee and request proof of the basis.
- Contact the Rent Tribunal or citizen services for guidance if you do not get a response or believe the charge is unreasonable.[2]
Always respond to formal letters within the stated deadlines.
Key points
- Applicants often pay fees, but not all fees are legal or reasonable.
- Good documentation and written communication strengthen your position when complaining.
- The Rent Tribunal and Borger.dk are central places to seek help and information.
