Finding Student Housing: Tenant Tips Austria

Many students in Austria look for suitable student housing well in advance. This guide explains practically when you should start searching, which documents landlords expect and what rights you have as a tenant. We provide concrete application tips, guidance for shared flats, information on deposits and rental agreements, and steps for defects or imminent termination. The advice is tailored to Austrian law and helps organize the housing search before the semester starts to keep stress minimal. If you are unsure about deadlines or which forms are necessary, you will find contacts and official links to legal texts and authorities below. Read the checklist and the how-to below to improve your chances at viewings and secure contracts. This text is aimed at tenants of all fields of study in Austria.

When to search?

The ideal start time depends on the semester and region. In many cities housing is scarce, so start early and schedule viewings. Pay attention to contractual deadlines and termination periods, which are regulated in the Tenancy Law^[1].

• Start searching 2–3 months (months) before the semester begins.
• Check your budget and plan for deposit and ongoing rent payments (deposit).
• At viewings, check for repair needs and document defects with photos (repair).

Applications and documents

Landlords usually require ID, proof of enrollment, proof of income or a guarantor. A complete application folder increases your chances of being selected.

• ID, registration certificate and current proof of enrollment (document).
• Pay slips, bank statements or guarantor agreement for the deposit (deposit).
• Fully completed application forms and a short motivation message (submit).

Defects, repairs and rights

As a tenant you are entitled to habitable rooms. Report defects in writing and give the landlord a reasonable deadline for repair. In persistent cases legal action may be necessary; jurisdiction and procedures often run through the district court^[2].

• Report defects in writing and save photos as evidence (repair).
• Set a deadline and request remediation in writing (form).
• If necessary, consider filing a claim or initiating enforcement at the competent court (court).

Termination and alternative housing

Inform yourself early about termination periods and possible reasons for extraordinary termination. In cases of owner use or payment arrears, observe deadlines carefully and check your rights.

• Check termination periods in the contract and meet deadlines in good time (before).
• Contact legal advice or tenant counseling if uncertain (help).

FAQ

When should I start searching for student housing?

Ideally 2–3 months before semester start; in popular cities start earlier to secure viewings.

Which documents do I typically need?

ID, proof of enrollment, income statements or guarantor and references increase chances.

What to do if defects are not remedied?

Report defects in writing, set a deadline and collect evidence; consider legal steps if problems persist.

How-To

1. Prepare documents: ID, proof of enrollment and proof of income (document).
2. Apply online or by email and attach all documents (submit).
3. If accepted, arrange deposit payment and agree on payment terms (deposit).
4. Read the lease carefully before signing and note any open issues in writing.

Help and Support / Resources

• RIS - Legal texts and tenant information (form)
• Justiz.gv.at - Information on court procedures (court)
• JustizOnline - Official forms and e-services (form)

1. [1] RIS - Tenancy legislation (MRG)
2. [2] Justiz.gv.at - Court jurisdictions
3. [3] JustizOnline - Forms and e-Services