Energy, Heating & Hot Water: Tenant Tips Austria
As a tenant in Austria, you should know simple steps to reduce energy and heating costs, report hot-water or heating problems, and protect your rights during repairs. This guide explains clearly what obligations landlords and tenants have, how to document defects, which deadlines matter, and when to contact mediation or court. Practical checklists help with reading heating meters and preparing photos, invoices, and logs as evidence. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a step-by-step guide for heating outages, and official Austrian contact points so you can act quickly and confidently.
Energy Saving & Heating Habits
Correct ventilation and an adapted heating schedule reduce consumption without losing comfort. Pay attention to thermostat settings in living rooms and avoid constantly high temperatures at night or when away.
- Prefer regular short airing instead of leaving windows tilted open.
- Set thermostats so living spaces are sufficiently warm but not overheated.
- Record meter readings before and after the heating season to spot anomalies.
Duties for Heating and Hot Water
In many tenancy agreements the landlord is responsible for continuous heating and hot-water supply; details are set out in the Mietrechtsgesetz and the contract.[1] Tenants should report defects immediately and set a deadline for repair.
- Report defects in writing and document the date.
- Secure photos and precise timestamps as evidence.
- Set a deadline: typically request a reasonable time for repair.
What to Do If Repairs Are Refused or Delayed
If the landlord does not respond, continue documenting and consider legal steps. Mediation or filing at the district court are possible options.[2]
- Send a written reminder to the landlord and renew the deadline.
- Collect evidence: photos, messages, and contractor invoices.
- Contact mediation or court if repairs do not occur.
FAQ
- Is the landlord required to maintain the heating?
- Yes, providing heating and hot water is often a landlord obligation; check the contract and the Mietrechtsgesetz.[1]
- What can I do if the heating stops working?
- Notify the landlord in writing, set a deadline, gather evidence, and consider mediation or court if there is no response.[2]
- Can the landlord request access to the apartment for maintenance?
- Yes, with reasonable notice the landlord may access the apartment for necessary maintenance; emergencies are handled separately.
How-To
- Identify the problem: document date, time and scope of the outage.
- Report the defect: send written notification to the landlord with a repair deadline.
- Secure evidence: collect photos, witness statements and contractor invoices.
- Next steps: consider mediation or legal action if repairs are not completed.
Key Takeaways
- Always document communications and defects in writing.
- Set clear deadlines for repairs when notifying the landlord.
- Gather evidence before pursuing legal remedies.
Help and Support / Resources
- RIS — Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
- Justiz — District Court Information
- JustizOnline — e-Forms and Procedures
