Check Operating Costs: Tenant Rights in Austria
How to check an operating cost statement
Start systematically: compare the listed items with your lease (advance payments vs. flat rate), check consumption values and request receipts if items are unclear. Keep all statements, bank statements and receipts organized so you can trace each item.
Keep all receipts for at least three years.
Key checkpoints
- Compare billing periods, meter readings and receipts.
- Check individual cost types such as heating, janitor or waste disposal.
- Match with the lease: advance settlement or flat rate?
- Understand allocation keys and consumption calculations.
Step-by-step review process
Work through the statement item by item and document discrepancies in writing. Request missing receipts from the landlord and note the date and content of each request.
A written request improves your evidence in later disputes.
- Gather all documents: lease, previous statements, bank statements.
- Check whether your contract specifies advance payments or flat rates and whether this was applied correctly.
- Recalculate individual items and mark discrepancies.
- Send a formal request for receipts to the landlord and document communication.
- If no clarification occurs, obtain an independent review or advice.
- As a last resort: file a claim at the competent district court.[2]
What to do about errors and refunds
If you can prove an overpayment, request a refund in writing and set a reasonable deadline. Specify the disputed items and attach copies of the receipts. If the landlord does not respond, consider legal action; observe limitation periods and burden of proof.
Respond to landlord communications on time to avoid losing rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I spot obvious errors in the statement?
- Check whether all cost types are mentioned in the lease, whether meter readings are plausible and whether allocation keys can be explained.
- How long do I have to object to a statement?
- Raise objections promptly after receiving the statement; civil claims are often subject to contractual and statutory limitation periods.
- When is a professional review worthwhile?
- For large arrears or complex cost distributions, an expert or tenant counselling may be worthwhile.
How-To
- Collect receipts and previous statements and file them chronologically.
- Check whether your contract uses advance payments or flat rates and if applied correctly.
- Recalculate individual cost items and note discrepancies.
- Request receipts from the landlord in writing and document the exchange.
- Seek advice from tenant associations or a lawyer if uncertainties persist.
- File a claim at the district court if out-of-court settlement fails.[3]
Help and Support
- RIS - Austrian Legal Information System
- Justiz.gv.at - Court information
- JustizOnline - Electronic forms
