Can Your Landlord Enter Your Flat in Denmark?
Short answer: Only when circumstances require it – for necessary works, meter readings or a specific suspicion of damage (section 102 of the Danish Rent Act, lejeloven). Your landlord may not come in just to see whether you keep the home tidy. Works must be announced 6 weeks or 3 months ahead, unless the repair is urgent.
You come home and can tell someone has been inside your flat while you were at work. Or your landlord texts that he'll "just pop by tomorrow with a tradesman". Is he allowed to? As a tenant you have the exclusive right to use your home – but that right has some exceptions.
When does the landlord have a right of access?
The starting point is that you have the exclusive right to use the home, and the landlord has no access unless you've agreed it. But the landlord or a representative – such as a property manager, caretaker or tradesperson – has the right to access when circumstances require it (section 102 of the Rent Act). According to the bill's explanatory notes, that includes:
- necessary maintenance and improvement works
- reading meters
- a specific, well-founded suspicion of a risk of damage, for example because neighbours have reported smells or damp
- checking whether you have complied with a specific order to carry out maintenance.
The landlord has no right of access to check generally whether you're meeting your obligations, such as interior maintenance or cleaning. The rules also cover your basement and attic storage.
Does the landlord have to give notice?
Yes, when the landlord wants to carry out works in your home (section 103 of the Rent Act):
| Type of work | Notice |
|---|---|
| Works that don't cause you significant inconvenience, such as replacing heating installations in summer | 6 weeks |
| Other works, such as a new kitchen or bathroom | 3 months |
| Urgent repairs, such as a burst water pipe | No notice |
The law sets no formal requirements for the notice, but it's the landlord who must be able to prove that correct notice was given. According to the explanatory notes, the notice should state when, why and to whom you need to give access. If the notice is too short, the landlord has no right of access and must give notice again. For shorter visits, such as meter readings, the law sets no specific notice period – in practice the time is agreed with you.
May the landlord have a key?
The Rent Act says nothing explicit about whether the landlord may have a key to your home. But even if the landlord has a key, it doesn't give a right to walk in. According to the explanatory notes, the landlord generally can't get access without your cooperation – even when the landlord has a right of access. Only in very special circumstances, such as a flood or fire while you are away, may the landlord let themselves in.
What applies to viewings once you've given notice?
When the tenancy has been terminated, or you have to move out for another reason, you must allow the home to be shown to new tenants or buyers (section 186 of the Rent Act). You set the times yourself, but it must be at least 2 hours every other working day, at a time that suits a viewing. If you aren't there yourself, a viewing may only take place with the landlord or a representative present.
Viewings don't need notice in the same way as works, but according to the explanatory notes the landlord should let you know whether anyone will actually come at the times you've set. Agree the times in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
What if you refuse the landlord access?
If you refuse the landlord access they are entitled to by law, the landlord can ultimately terminate your tenancy immediately (section 182(1), no. 3, of the Rent Act). The landlord may not simply let themselves in; if you refuse, the landlord must as a rule go through fogedretten (the bailiff's court) to get access. If you disagree that there's a reason for access, reply in writing, explain why, and suggest another time – that's better than simply not opening the door.
What if the landlord enters without permission?
If your landlord has entered without your permission and without a valid reason, write to the landlord that it must not happen again, and keep evidence such as messages, photos and witnesses. If it happens again, get advice from Lejernes LO (LLO, the Danish tenants' association), which advises its members, or from a lawyer. You can also read more about your other rights in our introduction to tenant rights.