What is Huslejenævnet?

The Huslejenævn (Rent Tribunal) is a municipal body that settles disputes between tenants and landlords in private rental housing. Filing a complaint is free, and decisions are binding on both parties. Every municipality in Denmark has one.

What can it decide?

The tribunal can rule on: whether rent is reasonable (lejefastsættelse); whether deposit demands are lawful; whether move-out charges are justified; whether §11 contract terms are valid; maintenance disputes; and disagreements over heating accounts.

It cannot handle eviction cases — those go to the fogedret (enforcement court).

When should you complain?

File a complaint when: your landlord withholds more deposit than seems justified; you believe your rent is unreasonably high; there's a dispute about maintenance responsibilities; your landlord tries to enforce a contract term you believe is void; or you've received a move-out bill you consider unfair.

How to file a complaint

Find your municipality's Huslejenævn (search "[municipality name] huslejenævnet" or look it up at borger.dk). Submit a complaint form — usually online — describing the dispute, what you want the tribunal to decide, and attaching relevant documents: the lease, correspondence with your landlord, the move-in and move-out reports, and any receipts or invoices.

The tribunal typically reaches a decision within 2–4 months.

Cost

Filing is free. The losing party (typically the landlord in upheld complaints) pays a fee to the tribunal.

Appealing

Tribunal decisions can be appealed to the Boligretten (Housing Court, a section of the district court) within 4 weeks.