medborger_i_danmark_engelsk.pdf - Ny i Danmark

44HOUSINGSome house owners’associations operate acommunal aerial schemeAerial associations canselect the TV channelsto be broadcast tomembersIf you live in an owner occupied dwelling,you may install your own aerial. However,your house owners’ association* mayoperate a communal aerial scheme.Many communal aerial systems areestablished by a communal aerialassociation. If you join the association, youmay influence the choice of TV channelsto be broadcast in your housing area.Remodelling your homeIf you own your home, you may carry outinterior decorating and remodelling as youplease. However, for safety reasons youmust observe certain rules for installingelectricity, water and heating. Some of thiswork must be performed by licensedcraftsmen. If you fail to comply with therules, your insurance does not cover theloss in case of damage.Rules for electrical,water and heatinginstallationsHigh energy taxesElectricity, water and heatingIn Denmark, electricity, water and heatingare relatively expensive. Society wishes toreduce the consumption of energy in orderto protect the environment.This is why theduties levied on energy are so high.You may lower your consumption ofelectricity, water and heating, for instance,by:• Switching off the light when leaving aroom.• Using economiser light bulbs.They aremore expensive than ordinary lightbulbs, but their average service life isten times as long.• Taking a shower instead of abath.• Doing the dishes in a basin rather thanunder running water.Major exterior remodelling, for example,building a dormer window or a balcony, oradding an outbuilding or a carport, issubject to certain rules and regulationsregarding size and design. You shouldtherefore obtain the necessary approvalsand permits from the municipal authoritybefore starting any such remodellingwork.If you are a member of a cooperativehousing society, you should find outwhether the rules and regulations of thesociety impose any special restrictionsbefore you begin to remodel the premises.If you are a tenant, you are allowed tomake certain changes and improvementsto your accommodation.You may install a washing machineand a dishwasher, provided that theinstallations are approved. Before makingany major changes, such as putting in anew kitchen or renovating the bathroom,Building an extensionrequires permissionfrom the municipalauthorityMembers of a cooperativehousing societymust inform the boardTenants required toobtain the landlord’spermission to makeimprovements to thepremises