Household Insurance for Renters in Austria: Who Pays?

As a renter in Austria you often face questions: who pays for water damage, an electrical short, or required repairs? Household insurance, private liability insurance and the landlord can have different obligations. This article explains clearly and practically which damages are typically covered by household insurance, when liability applies and in which cases landlords are responsible for maintenance or compensation. You will receive concrete guidance on what steps to take as a renter, how to document damage, which deadlines to observe and when legal action or reporting to the insurer makes sense. This helps you keep your rights in disputes and act confidently.

How household insurance, liability and the landlord interact

Household insurance, private liability and the landlord's duties sometimes overlap. The Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) regulates fundamental obligations for maintenance and landlord liability^[1]. Household insurance protects your movable property and, depending on the policy, covers certain types of damage, while liability insurance compensates third-party damages you caused.

What does household insurance cover?

• Fire and burn damage
• Water damage from burst pipes or flooding
• Damage from storm or hail
• Glass damage and burglary losses to movable property

When does private liability apply?

Private liability applies when you cause damage to a third party. Typical cases include a washing machine leak that harms a neighbour or water damage caused by your negligence. Read your liability terms carefully, as some consequential damages are excluded.

• Damage to third parties caused by your fault (e.g., leaking washing machine)
• Personal injury or consequential damage you caused

What the landlord must pay

In principle the landlord is responsible for the building's substance. This includes structural defects, heating or roof damage and other defects that impair usability. Details on duties and deadlines can be found in the Mietrechtsgesetz and relevant case law^[1].

• Structural repairs and defects of the rental property
• Access rights for necessary repairs

Practical steps for renters

When damage occurs, act promptly: document everything, inform your insurers and the landlord in writing and obtain repair estimates. Some reports or applications can be filed online; keep confirmations and deadlines carefully^[3].

1. Document damage immediately: photos, date, time and involved parties
2. Inform insurer and landlord and submit a claim
3. Obtain estimates and coordinate repairs
4. Seek legal advice in disputes or contact the district court^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Does household insurance cover water damage in the apartment?

Many policies cover water damage to personal belongings, especially from pipe bursts. Damage to the building itself is usually the landlord's responsibility; check your policy and lease.^[1]

Who pays for burglary and stolen items?

Household insurance often covers burglary theft of personal property. If landlord-related security faults are relevant, claims against the landlord may be possible; clarify responsibilities in writing.

Can I reduce rent because of damage?

Rent reduction is possible if usability is significantly impaired. Report defects in writing and set deadlines; if unsure, the district court can decide.^[2]

How-To

1. Document: photos, list damaged items, note witnesses
2. Submit claim to insurer and landlord and keep confirmation
3. Obtain repair estimates and schedule repairs
4. Consider legal steps and contact the district court if necessary^[2]

Key Takeaways

• Household insurance protects your movable property.
• The landlord is responsible for the building's structure.
• Careful documentation is essential for claims.

Help & Support

• Court information — justiz.gv.at
• Legal database (RIS) — ris.bka.gv.at
• Forms & e-Services — justizonline.gv.at

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] Justice - District Courts and Procedures
3. [3] JustizOnline - Forms and E-Services