Landlord Entry: Tenant Rights in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, you should know under which conditions and notice periods a landlord is allowed to enter the apartment. This guide explains clearly and practically which reasons justify entry (e.g., repairs, meter readings or viewings), which advance notices apply and how you can protect your privacy. I describe which formal requirements and evidentiary steps are useful, how to respond to an unannounced demand and which authorities you can contact in case of disputes. The information is based on Austrian tenancy law and is written so non-lawyers can understand the next steps and act confidently. At the end you will find practical steps for short-term objections, template notices and guidance on when to involve a court.
When may the landlord enter?
A landlord may enter only for certain reasons and usually after giving notice. Typical reasons include necessary repairs, meter readings, viewings for re-letting or urgent damage prevention. Legal bases are found in tenancy law and related provisions[1]. Without tenant consent, entry is only allowed in exceptional cases such as imminent danger.
What notice periods and announcements apply?
For planned work or viewings the landlord generally must inform you in advance. Deadlines are agreed in the lease or between the parties; if no agreement exists, reasonable notice is expected. In urgent emergencies, notice may be omitted if immediate action is necessary.
- Repairs and maintenance (repair)
- Announced viewings for re-letting (notice)
- Handovers and inspections at move-in or move-out (entry)
- Urgent damage remediation in imminent danger (repair)
If a landlord comes unannounced, you can politely ask for proof of the reason and document what happened on site. For repeated unannounced entries, send a written objection and consider legal options.
What can you do as a tenant?
You may refuse entry if there is no legitimate reason or if the notice period was not respected. At the same time, you should cooperate when urgent repairs are required. Documentation helps: note date, time, reason and involved persons and take photos if permitted.
- Document incidents and damages (evidence)
- Communicate in writing and set deadlines (notice)
- Seek contact with mediation services or legal advice (call)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much notice must the landlord give?
- There is no single statutory period; usually reasonable notice of several days is expected or what is agreed in the tenancy contract.
- Can a landlord enter without my consent?
- Only in exceptional cases such as imminent danger or where legal powers exist; otherwise landlords need your consent or a court order.
- What can I do if entries occur repeatedly without reason?
- Document incidents, object in writing and consider support from tenant associations or legal advice.
How-To
- Check the tenancy agreement for clauses on entry and notice periods.
- Request a written announcement with date and reason when entry is planned.
- Document unannounced visits with date, time and names of persons.
- Contact advisory services or consider court action at the district court if violations recur[2].
Help and Support / Resources
- RIS: Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
- Austrian Ministry of Justice: Courts and procedures
- JustizOnline: Electronic court services
