Rent Including Utilities: Tenants in Austria
As a tenant in Austria it is important to know which costs are included in your rent and how statements, ancillary costs and heating as well as additional items like internet are handled. This guide explains in plain language what typically belongs to the rent, the differences between gross and net rent, and which formalities must be observed in rent increases or ancillary cost statements. You will receive practical steps on how to check statements, secure receipts and meet deadlines so you can effectively protect your rights. Legal bases and procedural offices are named so that you can find further information if needed.[1]
What typically counts as rent?
In many tenancy relationships in Austria, the total rent consists of several items. Check your lease carefully so you know whether operating costs, heating costs or internet are already included or billed separately.
- Operating costs (caretaker, waste disposal, common electricity)
- Heating and hot water (if agreed in the contract)
- Internet/TV (only if expressly agreed)
- Repair and maintenance arrangements (who pays what?)
Formal obligations and billing
Landlords must prepare statements in a comprehensible way and keep receipts. As a tenant you have the right to view the invoices and ask questions. Check statements for formal errors and unclear items.
- Request a detailed operating cost statement within the contractually or legally specified period
- Collect receipts, payment confirmations and photos as evidence
- Respond within the set deadlines, otherwise claims may lapse
If in doubt, a written request to the landlord can bring initial clarification; document every communication.
Rent increase: When is it permissible?
A rent increase must be correct in content and form. There are different rules depending on the type of contract (e.g. MRG-applicable apartments). Find out whether a category rent, reference-value rent or free agreement applies and which formal requirements the landlord must observe.
- Check the legal basis in the lease and the indication of the calculation method
- Pay attention to the notice periods and the method of service
- In case of dispute, the district court may be the venue
FAQ
- Are internet costs automatically part of the rent?
- Only if this is expressly stated in the lease or a written agreement exists; otherwise internet costs are usually borne separately.
- How can I check the operating cost statement?
- Request the receipts, compare the distribution keys and check whether items have been double-charged or incorrectly posted.
- What to do in case of a formally defective rent increase?
- Object in writing and within the deadline; if necessary, legal steps at the district court can be considered.[2]
How-To
- First check your lease for agreements on operating costs, heating and internet.
- Collect all receipts, payment confirmations and previous statements.
- Observe statutory or contractual deadlines for objections and appeals.
- If necessary, submit documents to the district court or use the JustizOnline services.
Help and Support
- Justiz.gv.at – information on courts and procedures
- RIS – Legal Information System of the Federal Government
- JustizOnline – official online forms
