Repairs & Maintenance: Tenant Rights in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, you may face questions about maintenance, repairs and your landlord's duties. This article explains in plain language what rights you have, who is responsible for which work, and how to respond to defects. We outline applicable deadlines, which evidence is helpful and how to initiate necessary repairs professionally — including sample actions and places for free advice. The information is for tenants without legal training; technical terms are explained and steps for filing defect notices or seeking legal help are presented clearly. This helps you enforce your rights in your rented home confidently and informed.

What does tenancy law regulate?

The Tenancy Law (MRG) in Austria defines which obligations landlords have to maintain the rented property and what rights tenants have when defects occur. Section 3 is often relevant in practice because it describes responsibilities and basic requirements for living quality^[1]. Use these rules when heating, water supply, electricity or other essential facilities are affected.

Obligations and responsibilities

In general: serious defects that impair habitability are the landlords responsibility. Minor cosmetic repairs can be contractually assigned to the tenant; check your lease. Report defects in writing and document the time, nature and possible consequences.

• Report in writing within a short time and set a deadline for repair.
• Collect evidence: photos, dates, witnesses and invoices.
• If the landlord does not respond: contact the district court or a conciliation body.
• For cost questions, check whether the landlord must pay or whether a rent reduction is possible.

Practical steps for repair needs

How to proceed when a defect occurs: describe, photograph, report in writing, set a deadline and plan next steps if there is no response. Phrase clear deadlines and request confirmation of receipt.

Sample wording for a defect notice

I hereby report the following defect in my apartment: [short description]. Please remedy the defect by [date, e.g. within 14 days].

FAQ

Who pays for repairs in case of burst pipes?

For damages to pipes that impair usability, the landlord generally bears the costs, unless the damage was caused by the tenant.

Can I reduce the rent if the heating fails?

Yes, a rent reduction can be permitted if habitability is significantly impaired; document downtime and report the defect in writing.

What deadlines apply to repairs?

There is no single statutory deadline for all problems; emergencies require quick fixes, otherwise an "appropriate" deadline should be set and legal steps considered if necessary^[2].

How-To

1. Step 1: Describe the defect precisely and document it with photos.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord and state a clear deadline.
3. Step 3: If there is no response, contact advisory centers or consider legal steps.
4. Step 4: If necessary, file a claim at the district court or use conciliation procedures^[2].

Key notes

• Respond immediately to written deadlines and notices.
• Use free advisory services before taking expensive steps.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Federal Government
• [2] Justiz.gv.at - Information on courts and procedures
• [3] JustizOnline - Forms and e-Services

1. [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Federal Government
2. [2] Justiz.gv.at - Information on courts and procedures
3. [3] JustizOnline - Forms and e-Services