Maintenance and Repairs in Denmark
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Danish Acts of Parliament (love), executive orders (bekendtgørelser), and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The landlord bears the primary duty to maintain the property:
- Landlord's obligation: The property must be maintained in the condition agreed at move-in throughout the tenancy — including structure, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and common areas.
- Tenant's obligation: You are responsible for minor maintenance (indvendig vedligeholdelse) — typically painting and minor repairs (unless the lease says otherwise).
- Defects (mangler): If the property has defects that the landlord fails to repair within a reasonable time, you may: deduct the repair cost from rent, demand a rent reduction, or in serious cases, terminate the lease.
- Binding maintenance accounts: In regulated properties, landlords must set aside a fixed amount per square metre per year for maintenance.
When does it apply?
- Something in your rental property breaks or deteriorates — heating failure, water leak, mould, broken windows, etc.
- The landlord refuses or delays repairs.
What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses to Fix a Problem in Your Rented Home in Denmark
- Notify the landlord in writing (email is fine) about the issue and set a reasonable deadline for repair.
- If the landlord does not act, file a complaint with the Huslejenævnet — it can order repairs and authorise a rent reduction.
- In urgent cases (burst pipe, no heating in winter), you may arrange repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent — but document everything.
- Keep photos, emails, and receipts as evidence.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold rent entirely — deduct only the documented cost of necessary repairs or the amount set by the Huslejenævnet.
- Don't make major modifications without the landlord's written consent — you could lose your deposit or face a claim for restoration.
- Don't delay reporting defects — you have a duty to limit damage (e.g., report a leak before it causes further harm).
Common Questions
Who is responsible for repairs in a Danish rental property?
The landlord bears the primary duty. The property must be maintained in the condition agreed at move-in throughout the tenancy — structure, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and common areas. The tenant is responsible for minor maintenance (indvendig vedligeholdelse), typically painting and minor repairs, unless the lease says otherwise.
What can I do if my Danish landlord refuses to make repairs?
Notify the landlord in writing (email is fine) and set a reasonable deadline. If they don't act, file a complaint with the Huslejenævnet — it can order repairs and authorise a rent reduction. If the defect is serious and unrepaired, you can demand a rent reduction, deduct repair costs from rent, or in extreme cases terminate the lease.
Can I fix a problem myself and deduct it from rent in Denmark?
In urgent cases such as a burst pipe or no heating in winter, yes — you may arrange repairs yourself and deduct the documented cost from rent. Don't withhold rent entirely — only deduct the actual cost or what the Huslejenævnet sets. Keep photos, emails, and receipts, and don't delay reporting; you have a duty to limit damage.
When does it apply — maintenance and repairs?
Something in your rental property breaks or deteriorates — heating failure, water leak, mould, broken windows, etc.The landlord refuses or delays repairs.
What should I do if my landlord is ignoring my repair requests or failing to maintain the property in Denmark?
Notify the landlord in writing (email is fine) about the issue and set a reasonable deadline for repair.If the landlord does not act, file a complaint with the Huslejenævnet — it can order repairs and authorise a rent reduction.In urgent cases (burst pipe, no heating in winter), you may arrange repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent — but document everything.Keep photos, emails, and receipts as evidence.
What should you NOT do — maintenance and repairs?
Don't withhold rent entirely — deduct only the documented cost of necessary repairs or the amount set by the Huslejenævnet.Don't make major modifications without the landlord's written consent — you could lose your deposit or face a claim for restoration.Don't delay reporting defects — you have a duty to limit damage (e.g., report a leak before it causes further harm).