Rent Reduction & Tenant Rights During Renovation, Austria

Many tenants in Austria experience significant restrictions during renovation, such as noise, lack of heating or limited use of rooms. If the apartment's quality of living is reduced, tenants may be entitled to a rent reduction under certain conditions. This article explains in clear language what tenant rights are, which steps make sense and which deadlines and evidence are important in court or in written communication. We describe how to report defects, collect evidence and prepare formal notices or lawsuits. The aim is to make you more confident in dealing with landlord communication, repair obligations and possible court procedures in Austria. We also provide templates and practical tips on how to check deadlines and when legal advice is advisable.

When is rent reduction possible?

A rent reduction may apply if the use of the apartment is significantly restricted or the quality of living is so impaired that contractual use is affected. Typical cases include:

• Failure of heating or inadequate hot water supply
• Serious construction defects such as mold or water damage
• Permanent unusability of individual rooms
• Unannounced or unlawful intrusions into privacy

How to document defects

Good documentation is often crucial. Collect evidence immediately and keep a defect log:

• Photos and videos with date and time
• Date, duration and type of impairments
• Written defect notices to the landlord (email or registered letter)
• Statements from witnesses and records from craftsmen or property management

How to request a rent reduction

Proceed systematically: report the defect, set a deadline for remedy and announce the reduction in writing if the defect is not remedied.

• Send a written defect notice with a deadline to the landlord
• Attach evidence and photos
• Document deadlines and appointments
• If refused: consider court clarification at the district court

FAQ

When can I reduce the rent during a renovation?

If the quality of living is significantly impaired, for example by heating failure, mold or unusable rooms, tenants may reduce the rent under certain conditions. [1]

How do I document damages correctly?

Collect photos, videos, witness statements, written messages and dates; send a formal defect notice to the landlord. [1]

Do I have to go to court to enforce a reduction?

Many cases can be resolved through clear written communication and evidence gathering; if necessary, the district court is the appropriate venue. [2]

How-To

1. Report defects in writing and set a deadline for the landlord to remedy them.
2. Collect photos, dates, witnesses and all messages and secure them.
3. If the defect is not remedied, announce the rent reduction in writing.
4. If necessary, collect documents and consider court clarification at the district court.

Key Takeaways

• Careful documentation is essential.
• Set clear deadlines for the landlord.
• Court action is possible but should be well prepared.

Help and Support

• Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria (RIS)
• Justice Austria – Information on Courts
• JustizOnline – Forms and e-Government

1. [1] Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) - RIS
2. [2] Justice Austria - Courts and Procedures