Internet, TV & Parking: Rights for Tenants in Austria

Tenants in Austria often face questions about internet, TV and parking in the rental relationship. This text explains clearly which rights you have, who is responsible for connections and costs, how to handle installations or parking disputes and which steps are sensible when problems occur. The aim is to give you practical advice on documentation, correct written communication with the landlord and on formal steps such as reporting defects. In case of legal uncertainty, the authorities and courts mentioned here can help and are linked so you can enforce your rights in Austria more confidently.^[1]

Which basic rights apply to internet, TV and parking?

Fundamentally, the rental contract determines whether internet or TV connections and a parking space are part of the leased property or agreed separately. If there is no clear regulation, the usual rule is: tenants usually pay for voluntary additional services, while landlords are responsible for agreed services. For fundamental questions of the rental relationship, the Mietrechtsgesetz is central, and legal steps go through the competent courts in Austria.^[1]

Practical cases and rights

When installing an internet or TV connection, you must check whether structural changes are necessary and whether consent is regulated in the lease. Consent may be required, but it must not be withheld arbitrarily. For parking spaces: if a parking space is promised in the lease, it is part of the leased property; otherwise allocation can be regulated separately. If you have issues like outages, unauthorized access or unclear costs, you should complain in writing and set deadlines.

Repairs and technical defects

Technical faults to communal connections or the leased property should generally be reported to the landlord; in many cases they are obliged to fix them. Small repairs may be contractually assigned to the tenant if reasonable. In case of significant impairments to usability, rent reductions or damages may be considered.

• Written defect notice with a deadline and collect evidence (photos, logbook).
• For required repairs, inform the landlord and demand remedial action.
• Cost clarification: who pays for the connection or parking according to the lease?
• Contact advisory services or seek legal help if necessary.

FAQ

Who pays for the internet or TV connection?

If the connection is explicitly included in the lease, the landlord is responsible for providing it; for voluntary additional connections the tenant usually pays. Always check your contract and request clarity in writing.^[1]

Can the landlord refuse installation of a connection?

A refusal must not be arbitrary. Required structural measures and compensations must be clarified; a justified refusal must be objectively explained.

What to do in case of a dispute over a parking space?

If a parking space is contractually guaranteed, it is part of the leased property and must be provided. In case of dispute, initially insist on performance in writing and consider court clarification if necessary.^[2]

How-To

1. Check your lease and gather all relevant documents and receipts.
2. Send a formal defect or claim notice to the landlord with a clear deadline.
3. If no solution occurs within the deadline, document additional damage and prepare for possible rent reduction or damages claims.
4. If necessary, file a claim with the competent authority/court; use advice and the justice online forms beforehand.^[3]

Help and Support / Resources

• Justiz.gv.at – information on procedures and contact points
• RIS – Legal Information System (laws such as the MRG)
• JustizOnline – forms and electronic filings

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] Justiz.gv.at - Courts and procedures
3. [3] JustizOnline - electronic forms