How to Make a Noise Complaint in Denmark (2025)
Loud neighbors? All-night parties? Construction outside of hours? Here’s how to report noise in Denmark, who to contact, what to document, and your rights as a tenant or resident.
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Tip: Most Danish buildings have “quiet hours” (typically 10pm–6am). Try friendly dialogue first—formal complaints are often the last resort.
Overview: Noise Rules in Denmark
Quiet Hours
Most rentals and housing associations set “stiller timer” (quiet hours) at night and on Sundays/holidays. Check your house rules (“husorden”).
Common Complaints
Includes loud music, parties, barking dogs, DIY after hours, construction noise, and persistent nuisance.
Legal Limits
Municipalities set decibel limits for day and night. Excess noise can result in warnings, fines, or even eviction for tenants.
Who Handles Noise Complaints?
Landlord or Housing Association
Most complaints go first to your landlord (“udlejer”), property manager, or building board (“bestyrelse”).
Municipality (Kommune)
Public noise (construction, bars, street noise) is handled by the local kommune’s environmental department.
Police (Politi)
For late-night parties, threats, or ongoing disturbances, contact the police at 114 (non-emergency).
How to Make a Noise Complaint: Step by Step
1. Talk to Your Neighbor
A friendly conversation solves most issues! Explain the problem and ask politely for less noise, especially during quiet hours.
2. Document the Disturbance
Keep a log: date, time, duration, type of noise. Record short audio/video if possible (but don’t share publicly).
3. Contact Landlord/Board
Email your landlord/building board with details. Include your log and, if needed, recordings as evidence.
4. Municipality Complaint
For street or construction noise, file a complaint with your kommune’s environmental department. Many have online forms.
5. Call the Police (114)
For severe or repeated nighttime noise, call the non-emergency police number (114). Only call 112 for emergencies.
6. Know Your Rights
Tenants can’t be evicted without warning and proof. Persistent noise-makers may face fines or eviction after repeated complaints.
When Should I Call the Police?
Late-Night Noise
Call the police (114) if parties, shouting, or music persist after midnight and you feel unsafe or are repeatedly disturbed.
Aggressive or Dangerous Situations
If there are threats, fights, or criminal activity, call 112 (emergency).
Multiple Complaints
If many neighbors are affected, encourage all to file complaints separately—this strengthens your case.
Useful Links & Resources
Related Guides on exploringdenmark.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to speak Danish to complain?
No, most landlords and municipalities accept complaints in English. Police operators also speak English.
What counts as “too loud”?
It depends on local rules, but persistent noise during quiet hours, or anything above normal living sounds, may qualify.
Will my landlord tell my neighbor it was me?
Complaints are often kept confidential, but anonymity can’t be guaranteed if the case goes to court or eviction.
Should I record the noise?
Yes, but only for evidence for your landlord or police. Do not publish recordings online or share them with others.
What if the landlord ignores the complaint?
Escalate to your municipality, tenant association, or legal aid service for further help.
Can I complain about barking dogs?
Yes, persistent pet noise is a valid complaint. Follow the same steps as for other disturbances.
Can I be evicted for noise complaints?
Yes, after warnings and evidence of persistent or severe noise, eviction is possible under Danish law.
Who can help me in English?
