Documents for Tenant Requests in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, you often need specific documents when reporting repairs, maintenance obligations or tenancy defects. This article explains clearly which documents are usually required - from the rental contract to photos of damage, payment receipts and correspondence with the landlord or landlady. We show how to collect evidence sensibly, observe deadlines and submit applications correctly so that your rights under the Tenancy Law (MRG) can be enforced. The guidance is aimed at tenants without legal expertise and gives practical steps for administrative visits, notices and potential court actions. You will receive checklists and templates for applications, guidance on deadlines before the district court and links to official forms such as JustizOnline. Careful documentation improves the chances of success for repairs or cost reimbursements.^[1]

Which documents do you need?

• Rental contract (document)
• Photos and videos of the defect (photo)
• Correspondence with the landlord/landlady, e-mails and SMS (document)
• Payment receipts and bank statements for rent payments (payment)
• Invoices, cost estimates or expert reports (evidence)
• Defect notice or formal deadline setting in writing (notice)

How to prepare the documents

Collect all relevant papers in a folder or digitally ordered by date. Label photos with date and location, save e-mails separately and make copies of witness statements if needed. Add short notes with times, for example when a heating issue recurs.

Formats and evidence

• Original contracts or certified copies (document)
• Photos in JPG/PNG format with short descriptions (photo)
• Bank statements as PDF for payment proof (payment)

Procedure: submission and deadlines

Submit your documents in writing and keep proof of delivery. Set a reasonable deadline for remedying the defect in the defect notice and inform, if necessary, a local conciliation body or the district court. Forms for court steps are available via JustizOnline, and the Tenancy Law (MRG) defines basic duties for maintenance and repairs.^[2]

FAQ

Which documents are necessary for reporting a defect?

Primarily the rental contract, photos of the defect, a written defect notice, payment receipts and, if applicable, expert reports. Legal rules are found in the MRG.^[1]

How long do I have to wait for a repair?

The deadline depends on the defect; urgent hazards require immediate action. For formal deadline setting before court steps, various time limits apply in practice.^[3]

Can I reclaim repair costs?

In certain cases, yes, for example after an unsuccessful deadline for remedy. Receipts and cost estimates are then important.

How-To

1. Collect and order all documents chronologically (document).
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord/landlady and set a deadline (file).
3. If there is no response, obtain cost estimates and prepare evidence (repair).
4. If necessary: file an application or lawsuit at the district court; use JustizOnline forms (file).
5. Seek advice from tenant associations or legal aid if unsure (contact).

Help & Support

• RIS legal texts and the MRG for landlord and tenant rights^[1]
• Information on court procedures at the Federal Ministry of Justice^[3]
• JustizOnline: forms and e-services for filings and submissions^[2]

1. [1] RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes
2. [2] JustizOnline - Court forms and submissions
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice - Court procedures and jurisdictions