Email Termination: Tenant Rights in Austria

Many tenants in Austria today receive termination notices by email and wonder whether these are effective. The answer depends on deadlines, the lease agreement and whether the email substitutes a legally binding delivery. In many cases the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)^[1] requires specific formalities or a written termination, but exceptions and case law may allow emails in certain situations. This article explains in plain language what tenants should check now: secure evidence, observe deadlines, request a confirmation of receipt if necessary and seek legal advice. The aim is to give you, as a tenant in Austria, concrete actions so you can meet deadlines and protect your rights.

When is termination by email valid?

Whether a termination by email is effective depends on lease law and the formal requirements of the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)^[1]. In many standard leases a written termination is required, while in other cases courts have accepted emails as sufficient if sender and delivery are provable. The key question is whether the email actually reached the recipient and whether the contract or law requires a stricter form.

What you should do now

• Check deadlines (deadline) and act immediately.
• Preserve all emails, attachments and confirmations as evidence (evidence).
• When in doubt, request a written confirmation of receipt or insist on registered delivery (notice).
• Contact legal advice or tenant support (help).
• If contested, consider legal action and possible filing at the district court (court)^[2].

FAQ

Is a termination by email automatically invalid?

Not automatically. The decisive factors are the formal requirements in the lease and the statutory rules of the MRG^[1]. Check whether the contract requires written form.

Which deadlines apply after an email termination?

Statutory termination periods still apply; the relevant date is the receipt of the message. Note the receipt date and act within deadlines.

When should I seek legal help?

As soon as there is uncertainty about validity or deadlines, seek advice or use JustizOnline forms for any filings^[3].

How-To

1. Secure the email, attachments and metadata as evidence (evidence).
2. Record the receipt date and calculate deadlines (deadline).
3. Request, if possible, written confirmation of receipt or registered delivery (notice).
4. Gather documents and assess whether court action is necessary (court).
5. Contact tenant support organizations or a lawyer (help).

Key Takeaways

• Secure evidence: emails and confirmations are central.
• Observe deadlines: the receipt date determines timelines.
• Seek help: contact tenant support or a lawyer in time.

Help and Support

• RIS: Legal Information System of the Republic
• Justice: Court and procedure information
• JustizOnline: Forms and e‑services

1. [1] Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) — RIS
2. [2] District courts and jurisdictions — Justiz
3. [3] JustizOnline forms and e‑services — JustizOnline