Email Termination Deadlines for Tenants in Austria
Many tenants in Austria wonder whether a termination sent by e-mail is legally valid and which deadlines apply. This practice offers speed but also risks: proof of receipt, formal requirements and disputes in court. In this article we explain in clear language when an e-mail termination may be sufficient, which deadlines are typically relevant, how to secure evidence and what steps are sensible in case of disagreements. The guidance is aimed at tenants and new tenants without legal expertise and shows practical options such as meeting deadlines, confirming receipt and using forms on JustizOnline. If deadlines or formal requirements are not observed, the termination may be ineffective. We also give examples of secure proofs such as read receipts, SMS confirmations or registered mail.
When is an email termination valid?
Whether a termination by e-mail is sufficient depends on several factors: the lease agreement, specific formal requirements in the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) and whether the termination actually reached the recipient. Some leases explicitly require "written form" or a handwritten signature; in such cases a plain e-mail may not be enough. Check the contract carefully and document every sending. If in doubt, a look at the MRG can help[1].
Key deadlines
- Statutory and contractual notice periods vary depending on the type and duration of the tenancy.
- Observe the termination deadlines in the contract and start communications early.
- The start of a deadline can depend on receipt of the termination; a send date alone may not suffice.
- Extraordinary terminations often involve very short deadlines and special conditions.
Securing evidence
- Create screenshots of the sent e-mail including headers and timestamps.
- Collect read receipts, confirmation SMS or automatic delivery reports.
- Use registered mail or handover protocols as additional proof when legally required.
Procedure in case of dispute
- First, attempt dialogue with the landlord and record every reply.
- If necessary, submit documents to the competent district court or use JustizOnline forms for judicial actions[2].
- Consider legal advice, especially with complex deadlines or alleged contract breaches.
FAQ
- Can the landlord terminate by e-mail?
- It depends on the lease and legal formal requirements; if the lease requires written form, a plain e-mail is often insufficient.
- How do I prove delivery of a termination?
- Collect read receipts, screenshots, delivery reports or send registered mail additionally.
- Which deadlines apply to a termination?
- Deadlines vary by contract type; check your lease and the MRG and seek legal advice if unsure.
How-To
- Check the lease first for formal requirements and agreed deadlines.
- Send the termination by e-mail and request a confirmation of receipt.
- Secure all evidence: e-mail headers, screenshots and dispatch reports.
- In case of dispute, submit documents to the district court or use JustizOnline forms.
Key takeaways
- An e-mail alone may not be legally sufficient when written form is required.
- Keep comprehensive evidence to prove delivery and timing.
- Observe contractual and statutory deadlines early.
