Heating/Hot Water: Documents for Tenants Austria
If the heating or hot water supply in your apartment fails, many tenants are unsure which documents are important and how quickly they must act. This guide explains in plain language which documents you should collect, which deadlines apply in Austria and how to inform the landlord or property manager correctly. You get a practical checklist for photos, meter readings, parts of the lease and communication logs as well as hints on when to set a written deadline or seek help from authorities. The aim is that you can assert your rights as a tenant with confidence and have the fault remedied quickly and legally. At the end you will find an FAQ, a step-by-step guide and official contact points.
What should tenants report?
Report the fault as soon as possible in writing and by phone to the landlord or property manager. Note the date and time and refer to the maintenance obligations under the MRG §3.[1] Describe the effects (no hot water, insufficient heating) briefly and precisely.
- Date and time of the fault
- Detailed description and photos of the problem
- Meter readings and, if applicable, reading protocols
- Copy of relevant lease pages
- Communication log (emails, SMS, calls)
- Written defect notice with a deadline
Good documentation increases your chances of success in disputes.
How should you report it?
It is best to combine an immediate phone call with a written notification by email or registered mail. In the written notification you should briefly summarize the documents listed above and set a deadline for remediation (e.g. 2 weeks for no hot water). Keep sending logs and delivery confirmations.
FAQ
- What can I do immediately if the heating or hot water fails?
- Check whether there is a house information or fault number, inform the landlord, document time, photos and meter readings and set a written deadline.
- Who pays for repair costs?
- In principle, the landlord is responsible under their maintenance obligations, except for damage caused by the tenant.
- How long does the landlord have to respond?
- This depends on the urgency; for lack of hot water a short deadline usually applies. Set a reasonable deadline in writing and seek legal advice if there is no response.
How-To
- Inform the landlord by phone and ask for a fault number
- Take photos, note meter readings and collect evidence
- Send a written defect notice by email or registered mail
- Set an appropriate deadline (e.g. 2 weeks) and record it in correspondence
- If there is no response: consider the district court or legal advice
Respond quickly to follow-up questions to avoid delays.
