Heating & Hot Water for Tenants in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, energy, heating and hot water are common sources of uncertainty and dispute. This guide explains in plain language what rights and duties you have in case of heating failure, incorrect billing or high energy costs, how to report defects correctly and which deadlines apply. We show step by step how to collect receipts, inform the landlord, file a formal defect notice if necessary and which authority or court may be responsible. The goal is to make you able to act—with concrete templates, practical tips and references to official bodies in Austria so that problems can be resolved faster and legally secure. The text also contains tips on saving energy within the tenancy and how costs can be checked transparently.
What tenants need to know
Fundamentally, the contractual situation in tenancy law in Austria is governed by the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) and the respective contractual agreements. The legal framework determines the minimum requirements for heating and hot water and in which cases the landlord is responsible[1]. Key points include who bears the operating costs, how bills should be checked and which deadlines apply for defect reports.
Heating, hot water: common problems
- Heating failure: no or insufficient heat in living rooms.
- Unclear billing: operating or fuel costs appear too high or wrongly allocated.
- Poor documentation: missing meter readings, photos or invoices.
- Unannounced entry to the apartment for maintenance without consent.
- Delayed landlord response to defect reports.
How to report defects
A formal defect report helps to meet deadlines and avoid later disputes. Describe the defect precisely, state the date, attach photos and meter readings, and request a concrete deadline for repair. Send the notice in a verifiable manner, for example by registered mail or by email with a read receipt.
How-To: Report a heating fault
- Collect evidence: photos, meter readings, date and time of the failure.
- Write a formal defect notice to the landlord and send it in a verifiable way.
- Set a reasonable deadline for repair (e.g. 7–14 days, depending on severity).
- No response? Consider involving the district court or seeking legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays for heating repairs?
- Generally, the landlord must ensure the maintenance of the heating system. Minor repairs can be contractually regulated differently; check your lease and the statutory rules[1].
- What to do if the apartment is unheated in winter?
- Report the defect immediately in writing, demand a quick repair and set a short deadline. Document the temperature and damages to secure claims.
- Can energy costs be audited afterwards?
- Yes. You have the right to inspect bills and receipts. If unclear, you can request copies of invoices and, if necessary, initiate an official review[2].
