Checking Operating Costs: Tenants in Austria
As a tenant in Austria you should know how operating costs work and who is responsible for which items. This guide explains plainly when you may check the operating cost statement, which documents belong to it and how you can challenge unclear or incorrect items. You will learn which deadlines apply for objections, which receipts you should request and what roles landlords and cost administrators play. Practical tips help with sorting invoices, documenting meter readings and drafting a reasoned letter to the landlord. The goal is for you to exercise your rights as a tenant confidently and enforce fair statements without fearing unnecessary formalities. In complex cases, advice from tenant associations or a look into the MRG can help.[1]
What belongs to operating costs?
Typical items in an operating cost statement include not only heating costs but all ongoing costs concerning a building. Pay special attention to whether one-off investments or repairs have been incorrectly allocated as operating costs.
- Heating costs and hot water
- Water, sewage and consumption
- Caretaker and regular cleaning
- Administrative costs and bank fees
- Insurance, lighting and other common costs
How do I check a statement?
First check whether the statement shows a billing period, total costs, allocation keys and calculation bases. Compare the reported costs with your invoices and meter readings and mark discrepancies. Request missing receipts in writing and document the communication.
- Compare invoices and meter readings
- Request missing receipts in writing
- Check whether one-off investment costs were wrongly distributed
If the landlord does not respond
If the landlord does not respond or the answer is unsatisfactory, you must observe deadlines. Set a written deadline for the submission of receipts and indicate that you will consider further steps if no response is provided. In disputes over the statement, you can turn to the competent district court or seek advice from tenant organizations.[2]
FAQ
- Which receipts can I request?
- You can request invoices, contracts with service providers, meter reading protocols and receipts for administrative costs.
- How long do I have to raise objections?
- Objections should be raised promptly after receiving the statement; set a clear deadline of about 14 to 30 days for the landlord to provide receipts.
- What if the landlord allocates repairs as operating costs?
- Distinguish between ongoing operating costs and one-off repairs; the latter generally cannot simply be allocated.
How-To
- Check the statement immediately after receipt and note deadlines
- Compare items with available invoices and meter readings
- Request missing receipts in writing and keep copies
- Consider legal action or mediation if resolution is not forthcoming
Help and Support
- [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
- [2] Justice - Information on Courts and Procedures
- [3] JustizOnline - Electronic Forms and Services
