medborger_i_danmark_engelsk.pdf - Ny i Danmark

40HOUSINGHousing counsellingGuidanceSome large non-profit housing societies*have a housing consultant who givesadvice and guidance about youraccommodation.You may also get help tounderstand letters you have receivedabout matters concerning youraccommodation.Tenants’ democracyNon-profit housing societies* operate awell-developed tenants’ democracy. Thismeans that the tenants are responsible forappointing representatives to a tenants’council or board, who will have a say in,for example, how common areas should beorganised.The tenant representatives canalso adopt house rules and launchcommunity activities.Tenants’ democracy innon-profit housingTenants in large privately-owned rentalproperties are also entitled to appointrepresentatives to safeguard theirinterests vis-à-vis the landlord.The tenantrepresentatives have the right to inspectthe property’s financial statements, andmust be heard, for example, before thelandlord increases the rent or initiatesmajor renovation projects.Tenants’ influence inprivate rental housingJoin inYou can contribute to good neighbour relations in your own housingarea. You may participate in electing representatives to the tenants’council, the board of the cooperative housing society or of the houseowners’ association or other kinds of representative bodies. You mayattend meetings and activities arranged by the residents. You can beactive both as an elected representative and by proposing activitiesfor children and adults. In this way, you can influence your immediateenvironment and get to know your neighbours.Communal buildings and roomsMost non-profit and co-op housing includea communal building or rooms where theresidents can meet for various activities.Tenants may hire the communal buildingfor private parties.Communal room formeetings and partiesWhen you move in, ask around where the residents meet, andwhether they have a tenants’ association*.