Report Tenant Changes on Time in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, you should report important changes such as address, bank details or household changes in good time. This helps to allocate payments correctly, keep communication channels open and avoid conflicts with the landlord. There are often deadlines or contractual obligations you must observe; documentation protects your rights if in doubt. In this guide we explain step by step which changes must be reported, how to write a formal notification, which deadlines are relevant and which official bodies can support you. The language is easy to understand, with practical examples and concrete action steps so that you, as a tenant in Austria, can meet your obligations and protect your rights.

What to report

In general, you should report changes that affect contract performance, deliveries or payments. Common cases are:

• Address change (notice) — new postal address for deliveries and correspondence.
• Change of bank details (payment) — important for rent payments and refunds.
• Change in household / move-in or move-out (move-in) — who lives in the tenancy can affect rights and obligations.
• Defects or repair needs to report (repair) — to prepare rent reduction or deadlines.
• Key handover or third-party access (entry) — agreements on privacy and access rules.

How to notify changes formally

Write a short, clear notification: state the change, the effective date and your contact details. If possible, include contract number or rental property address. Send the notification by registered mail or e-mail with read receipt when contact is in writing. For payment changes attach proof. Documentation helps later if there is a dispute.^[1]

Sample phrasing

A short template: "I hereby inform you that my bank details will change as of DD.MM.YYYY: IBAN ... . Please debit future rent payments from the new account." Add date and your signature if possible.

Deadlines and legal steps

There is no single deadline for every change; many deadlines are contractually regulated or arise from practical needs (e.g., payment deadlines). For significant defects you should set a reasonable deadline for remedy. If the landlord does not respond, you can take legal action; the district court is often the first instance for civil tenancy disputes.^[2]

FAQ

What happens if I do not report changes?

This can lead to payment delays, loss of important mail or contractual disputes; in some cases additional claims may arise.

How do I prove that I reported a change?

Proof such as registered mail receipts, e-mails with read receipt or signed acknowledgements of receipt are helpful.

Can the landlord refuse my notification?

The landlord can ask follow-up questions or raise justified objections, but basic information such as address or payment data is usually to be provided.

How-To

1. Check your rental contract for specific reporting duties and deadlines.
2. Document the change in writing with date and details.
3. Send the notification by registered mail or e-mail and request an acknowledgement of receipt.
4. For defects: set a reasonable deadline for remedy and keep records of deadlines.
5. If the issue remains unresolved, notify the competent authority or prepare a claim at the district court.^[2]

Help and Support

• [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
• [2] Justice - Courts and Procedures
• [3] JustizOnline - electronic forms

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] Justice - Courts and Procedures
3. [3] JustizOnline - electronic forms