Report Housing Discrimination: Tenant Rights in Austria
If you as a tenant in Austria are disadvantaged in your housing search because of origin, gender, family status, disability or religion, you have rights and courses of action. This text explains clearly how to recognise, document and report discrimination, which authorities are responsible and which deadlines apply. You will receive practical steps for conversations with landlords, written complaints, possible legal actions and advice on collecting evidence. The information helps to increase your chances of fair treatment and shows how protection mechanisms in Austria work. It also helps you decide whether a complaint to the Equal Treatment Authority is appropriate or whether a lawsuit before the district court may be necessary. Also read which pieces of evidence are important, how to meet deadlines and which formal steps the responsible offices expect.
What counts as discrimination?
Discrimination occurs when a person is treated worse during the housing search in Austria for reasons such as origin, gender, age, disability, family or religion without objective justification. Indirect disadvantage also counts when apparently neutral rules exclude certain groups.
- Collect evidence: photos, emails, messages (evidence).
- Contact landlord: send written inquiries and document responses (contact).
- Submit complaint: prepare a written complaint to the competent authorities (file).
- Observe deadlines: act quickly, complaints often have short deadlines (deadline).
- Legal action: filing a lawsuit at the district court is an option when out-of-court remedies are exhausted (court).
Detailed documentation increases your chances of success.
Rights and legal basis
In Austria, the Tenancy Act (MRG) and general provisions protect against discrimination in certain areas. Learn about the specific rules for tenancy and potential sanctions to assess your claims.[1]
Tenants in Austria have statutory protection against unlawful discrimination.
How to document and report
Good documentation includes date, time, names, written communication and, if possible, witnesses. Keep all emails, listings, messages and photos. Describe incidents clearly, factually and chronologically.
- Create a timeline: record all events in chronological order (evidence).
- Name witnesses: provide names and contact details of people who can confirm incidents (contact).
- Formal complaint: send a written complaint to the Equal Treatment Authority or the competent authority (file).
Keep originals and secure copies of all relevant documents.
Practical steps before filing a charge
First try a clear written inquiry to the landlord. Request a justification and set a reasonable deadline for a response. If the answer is unclear or discriminatory, collect evidence and check support options.
Respond promptly, as important deadlines may otherwise be missed.
FAQ
- What can I report?
- You can report any form of disadvantage in the housing search, e.g. rejection without objective reason, different requirements or insulting statements.
- Where do I report discrimination?
- Complaints can be directed to the Equal Treatment Authority, counselling centres or — for legal action — the district court. Official portals are helpful for formal procedures and court forms.[2]
- Which deadlines apply?
- Deadlines vary depending on the procedure. Criminal or administrative deadlines can be shorter; civil actions follow their own limitation rules. Act early and document everything.
How-To
- Gather documentation: collect photos, messages, listings and meeting notes in chronological order (evidence).
- Contact landlord: send a polite written request and set a deadline for reply (contact).
- Draft complaint: send a clear statement with evidence to the Equal Treatment Authority or competent authority (file).
- Consider legal advice: contact a lawyer or counselling service and consider court action if necessary (court).
Key takeaways
- Documentation is central and often decisive for success in proceedings.
- Act quickly so that deadlines are not missed.
- Seek support from counselling services or legal advisors.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
- [2] Justice - Information on courts and procedures
- [3] JustizOnline - Forms and e‑Services
