Check Utility Bills: Tenants in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, it is important to know how utility (operating) cost statements work and when you should request a review. Many statements contain errors or unclear items, such as energy, building management, or flat-rate operating costs. This guide explains step by step which documents to collect, which deadlines apply, how to file a formal objection and when legal advice may be useful. The language stays simple so non-lawyers can understand how to check charges, request receipts and enforce corrected statements if necessary. Read on for practical sample letters, notes on advance payments versus flat rates, and tips for communicating with your landlord. If needed, we also name relevant authorities and deadlines.
What are operating costs?
Operating costs are ongoing expenses related to the shared operation of a building—for example heating costs, waste collection, cleaning and property management. Some costs can be agreed as a flat rate, others are allocated by consumption or shares.
Which documents do you need?
- Collect and check receipts and invoices for the billed items.
- Compare the total statement with previous years or allocation keys.
- Observe deadlines for objections or claims.
Checking steps: What to check specifically?
- Do the listed invoices match the receipts?
- Were amounts double-charged or calculated incorrectly?
- Is the allocation key (e.g., square meters) applied correctly?
- Was the statement delivered within the statutory deadline?
If you find errors
Send a clear written objection to the landlord. Specify which items you dispute, attach copies of your receipts and request a corrected statement. Set a deadline for a response and keep all sending receipts.
When is legal help advisable?
If the landlord does not respond, the amount is significant, or a party claims deadlines were missed, advice from a tenants' association or a lawyer can help. Disputes about interpretation of tenancy law (MRG) or court proceedings are often handled at the district court.[1][2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to check an operating cost statement?
- Check the statement immediately upon receipt; formal objections and challenges should be raised within the time specified in the statement or statutory deadlines.
- Can I request receipts from the landlord?
- Yes, as a tenant you have the right to inspect the underlying invoices and receipts or request copies.
- How much does a legal review cost?
- Many tenants' associations offer low-cost advice; lawyer or court costs vary depending on the amount in dispute.
How-To
- Collect the statement, past annual statements, your tenancy agreement and all relevant receipts.
- Compare items, totals and allocation keys; mark discrepancies.
- Write a clear objection with copies of receipts and request a corrected statement within a deadline.
- Contact tenant advice services if needed or consider court action.
Help and Support
- [RIS] RIS – Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
- [JustizOnline] JustizOnline (Forms)
- [Justiz] Justiz.gv.at – Court Information
