Check Utility Costs for Tenants in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, it is important to review utility cost statements regularly and carefully. Many statements contain rounding errors, incorrect allocation keys, or items that are not chargeable; requesting receipts and verifying the figures protects your rights. This guide explains in clear steps which cost types are common, how to request receipts, observe deadlines, and formally file an objection. It also describes when it makes sense to seek legal advice or involve the district court. The language remains accessible so you as a tenant know which receipts to request, which calculations to check and how to prove errors without needing legal jargon. This guide is neutral and practical.

Utility Costs: What is Included?

Typical items in utility cost statements are not limited to heating and water. Check whether all items are chargeable under your lease and whether the allocation keys are comprehensible.

• Heating and hot water (heating)
• Administration fees and property management (fee)
• Water and sewage charges (payment)
• Elevator, repairs and maintenance (repair)
• Caretaker services and cleaning (maintenance)

What to Pay Special Attention To

Compare billing items with the lease and check the allocation key. Watch for double charges or items the landlord may not pass on. Provisions from the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) can help ^[1], and disputes are typically heard at the district court ^[2]. If you plan formal steps, use JustizOnline forms to submit documents ^[3].

Concrete Checks and Documents

Always check:

• Are receipts present and traceable (receipts, invoices, meter readings)?
• Does the allocation key match the lease?
• Are advance payments correctly credited and totals carried over accurately?

FAQ

What can I check if I don't understand the statement?

Request receipts and an explanation of the allocation keys in writing; compare current with previous statements.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Check and respond quickly: many deadlines start with delivery of the statement; respond within the stated periods or seek advice.

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

If there is no response, consider legal steps and possibly involve the district court or seek legal advice.

How-To

1. Request receipts: ask the landlord in writing for copies of all invoices for individual items.
2. Check the statement: compare items, allocation keys and last year's values for plausibility.
3. Check advance payments: do the paid instalments match the statement?
4. File an objection: submit a reasoned written objection within the deadline.
5. Court steps: if no agreement is possible, consider filing at the district court.

Key Takeaways

• Always request the original receipts for the statement.
• Observe deadlines strictly to avoid losing rights.
• Documentation increases your chances of success in disputes.

Help and Support

• RIS - Legal Information System
• Justice - Court and procedure information
• JustizOnline - Forms and submissions

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] Justice - Court information
3. [3] JustizOnline - Electronic submission