Rent and Deposit for Short-Term Rentals in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, it is important to know when rent is due for short-term rentals and how deposits are handled. Short-term rentals often occur with holiday apartments, temporary sublets or transition housing. This text explains in clear language which payment deadlines and formal requirements apply to rent payments and deposit handling, what to watch for in handover records and how to check refunds or withholdings. You will receive practical action steps, information on deadlines and evidence as well as notes on possible disputes before courts or mediation bodies in Austria. The explanations are oriented to Austrian law and mention authorities, forms and deadlines relevant to short-term tenancy relationships.

When is rent due?

In Austria, short-term rentals are governed primarily by the agreement in the rental contract: due date, payment method and any advance payments must be clearly regulated there. Statutory provisions can supplement how rent and deposit are to be handled; relevant bases include the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)^[1] and the Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (ABGB)^[2]. If there is no explicit agreement, customary practice or the courts' statutory interpretation applies.

• Check the lease for payment terms and the exact due date (deadline).
• Pay rent on time and keep evidence of payments (rent).
• Clarify in writing whether the deposit is held in a separate deposit account (deposit).
• Create a handover record with photos and signatures as evidence (record).
• Report defects to the landlord immediately in writing and request repairs (repair).

Deposit for short-term rentals

The deposit serves as security for landlord claims. For short-term rentals, it should be clarified in writing how high the deposit is, whether it accrues interest and within which period the landlord may assert deductions. After the tenancy ends, send a written demand for refund if the deposit is not automatically returned.

• Issue a written demand for refund and set a deadline (deposit).
• Provide photos and written documentation at move-out to supply evidence (record).
• If disputed, send a formal registered letter requesting return (notice).

FAQ

When must the deposit be returned?

The landlord must return the deposit after deducting justified claims within a reasonable period; in practice this is usually a few weeks to a few months depending on processing.

Can the landlord deduct for normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear is generally not a reason for deduction; the landlord may only withhold amounts for damage that exceeds normal wear and tear.

Which documents should I have at move-out?

A handover record with date and signatures, photos of the condition at handover and all payment receipts are important.

How-To

1. First check the contract and deadlines; note due dates (deadline).
2. Send a written demand for refund to the landlord and set a clear deadline (notice).
3. Document condition and defects with photos and receipts to create evidence (record).
4. If the landlord does not respond, consider legal action or mediation; forms are available via JustizOnline (JustizOnline) ^[3] and court filing at the district court.

Key Takeaways

• Check contracts carefully and note deadlines in writing (tip).
• Document move-in and move-out thoroughly to avoid unjustified deductions (tip).
• Seek help early if refunds are delayed or disputed (tip).

Help and Support

• Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) - RIS
• Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (ABGB) - RIS
• JustizOnline - Forms and Procedures

1. [1] Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (ABGB)
3. [3] JustizOnline