Payment Plan Template for Tenants in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, an outstanding rent arrear can quickly lead to a threat of eviction. A clearly worded payment plan template gives you a fair chance to settle arrears and buy time to discuss options with your landlord. This article explains which details to include in the letter, how to propose deadlines, which documents and evidence help your case, and which legal bases you should know. The guide is aimed at tenants without legal training and explains step by step how to propose a payment plan, what landlord responses to watch for, and when it makes sense to seek legal help or consider court options. Concrete sample phrases and a downloadable example are provided below.
What to include in the payment plan
A good payment plan clearly states how much you will pay and when, briefly explains the situation and offers proof of ability to pay. Specify the exact rental period, outstanding amounts and a realistic repayment schedule. Also state whether you will continue to pay current rent on time and how any partial payments will be made. Mention relevant legal bases as context[1].
- Bank statements and transfer receipts as proof
- Itemised list of outstanding amounts with periods
- Specific repayment amount per period (e.g. monthly instalments)
- Proposal for deadlines and due dates
Sample wording & letter structure
The letter should be brief, polite and factual. Use a clear subject line, state the outstanding amount, propose a payment plan and ask for written confirmation from the landlord. A sample structure helps the landlord to respond positively and promptly.
- Subject line: "Proposal for payment plan due to rent arrears"
- Short explanation of the cause (e.g. unexpected expenses)
- Concrete proposal: amount, instalments and start date
- Deadline for acceptance of the proposal
- Contact details for questions
FAQ
- Can a payment plan prevent an eviction?
- Yes, if the landlord agrees to the payment plan and the agreed instalments are met, the likelihood of eviction is reduced. Without agreement the risk remains.
- What happens if the landlord refuses?
- If no agreement can be reached, the landlord may pursue a judicial termination; in that case you should keep evidence and correspondence and consider legal advice.
- Do I need a lawyer?
- For simple agreements a lawyer is not always necessary, but if eviction is imminent or the case is complex, legal assistance can be advisable.
How-To
- Gather evidence: bank statements, payslips and prior payment receipts.
- Calculate a realistic repayment plan with concrete instalments and a start date.
- Draft the letter with subject, short reason, proposed instalments and deadline for agreement.
- Send the letter by registered mail or another documented method and confirm verbal agreements in writing.
- If no agreement is reached, notify the competent district court and review legal options.
Help and Support
- Forms and electronic submissions at JustizOnline[2]
- Information on courts and procedures[3]
- RIS: statutory texts such as the MRG[1]
