Rent Reduction Template for Tenants in Austria
What is a rent reduction?
A rent reduction means tenants cut the agreed rent partially or entirely because a defect reduces the usability of the apartment. Typical cases are missing heating, significant mould infestation or major water damage. A reduction does not replace remedying the defect but is an economic response to reduced usability.
When can tenants reduce rent?
In principle a reduction is possible if the defect is not insignificant and use is materially impaired. Minor cosmetic defects usually do not justify a reduction.
- Missing or failed heating in winter
- Mould infestation in living or sleeping rooms
- Water ingress or leaking pipes
- Serious defects in sanitary or electrical installations
Sample letter: structure and wording
An effective letter should state clearly: 1) the exact defect, 2) date of discovery, 3) a concrete request for remedy, 4) a reasonable deadline and 5) notice of rent reduction if no remedy. Also indicate which reduction you consider appropriate or state you will calculate the amount later.
Short example: "I hereby notify you that mould appeared in the bedroom on [date]. Please remedy the defect by [date]. Until remedy, I reserve the right to a reasonable rent reduction."
How-To
- Document the defect in writing and with photos.
- Inform the landlord by letter and set a deadline.
- After the deadline either reduce the rent or consider legal steps.
- Seek advice if necessary and consider filing at the district court.
FAQ
- How should I document defects best?
- Photograph damage with dates, note consequences, witnesses or communication and keep all evidence.
- Can the landlord reject the reduction?
- The landlord can object; then a professional assessment or legal advice helps, possibly with a court case at the district court.[2]
- Should I deposit the reduced rent?
- In some cases it is sensible to set the reduced amounts aside and not spend them until the legal situation is clear.
