Heating/Hot Water Faults: Tenant Rights in Austria
A sudden failure of heating or hot water can quickly disrupt tenants' daily lives. In Austria, tenants have rights and landlords have maintenance duties to promptly remedy defects. This guide explains in plain language when a fault is considered urgent, what steps tenants should take immediately, which deadlines apply and how to document evidence. You will also read when to notify the landlord in writing, what claims for rent reduction or reimbursement exist and how to proceed if repairs are not carried out. The aim is to provide practical action steps for tenants in Austria.
When is a fault urgent?
A fault is usually urgent when the use of the apartment is significantly impaired, for example no hot water in winter or heating failure during the heating season. In such cases, the landlord has special obligations to remedy the problem quickly and to ensure habitability.[1]
What to do immediately
- Inform the landlord immediately and document the report in writing (email or registered letter).
- For acute failures, follow up by phone so repairs can be initiated faster.
- Save photos, temperature logs and all dated messages to have evidence later.
Rights: Rent reduction and reimbursement
If the landlord does not repair in time, tenants may under certain conditions reduce the rent or claim costs for replacement measures. The scope and duration of the impairment as well as documentation are decisive. Check your contract terms and the relevant legal provisions if necessary.[1]
FAQ
- Can I reduce the rent if the heating fails?
- Yes, under certain conditions a rent reduction is possible. The amount and start of the reduction depend on the extent and duration of the impairment; document scope and duration carefully.
- How quickly must the landlord respond?
- For urgent faults an immediate response is expected; for less urgent defects a reasonable period applies. What is reasonable depends on the individual case.
- Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?
- If no agreement is possible, you can bring the matter before the local district court or use JustizOnline forms for court procedures.[2]
How-To
- Contact the landlord immediately by phone and in writing and set a deadline for repair.
- Send a written defect notice (date, time, description) by email or registered letter.
- Collect evidence: photos, temperature logs, witnesses, messages.
- If there is no response, consider legal steps and involve the district court or tenant organization.
Help and Support
- RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic
- Justice - Information on Courts
- JustizOnline - Electronic Forms
