Reporting Discrimination: Tenant Rights in Austria

Many tenants in Austria experience or fear discrimination when searching for housing. When landlords report incidents or treat applicants differently, many questions arise: What are your rights, what evidence helps, and how should you respond correctly? This text explains in clear steps which actions tenants can take, which deadlines apply and when legal steps make sense. We show how to document incidents, use internal complaint channels and contact authorities or advisory centers. The aim is to give you practical help so you feel more secure and can enforce your rights in Austria. You will also learn when going to the district court is sensible and which official bodies can support you.

What is discrimination in the housing search?

Discrimination occurs when applicants are disadvantaged because of origin, gender, age, religion, disability or similar characteristics. Not every uncomfortable question is automatically legally relevant, but systematic disadvantage is prohibited.

Immediate actions

• Document incidents with date, time and evidence such as photos or messages.
• Request a written explanation or rejection from the landlord if possible.
• Observe deadlines: respond within days or weeks to secure claims.
• Contact advisory services or the tenants' association for an initial legal assessment.

Legal framework

In many cases, provisions of tenancy law and general anti-discrimination protection apply; relevant regulations can be found in the Tenancy Act and the general civil code, as well as court jurisdictions at the district court.^[1][2]

When are court steps sensible?

If informal and extrajudicial steps are not sufficient, a lawsuit at the competent district court may be appropriate. The district court often decides on injunctions or compensation if discrimination is proven.

FAQ

Can the landlord report discrimination about an applicant?

Yes, landlords can report incidents, but they must be able to prove they did not act discriminatorily; tenants can provide counter-evidence.

Do I have to sue immediately if I feel discriminated against?

Not always; documentation, counseling and a formal complaint are often sensible before taking legal action.

Who can I turn to for help?

You can contact tenant associations, advisory services or authorities; they provide support and can explain legal steps.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: note times, involved persons and collect messages or photos.
2. Request a written statement or rejection from the landlord.
3. Get legal advice from an advisory center or the tenants' association.
4. Consider filing a lawsuit at the district court and observe deadlines.

Key points

• Discrimination is not allowed and should be documented.
• Collect evidence and request written explanations.
• Use advisory services and official bodies for support.

Help and Support

• [1] RIS — Legal Information System of the Federation
• [2] Justice Austria — Information on Courts
• [3] JustizOnline — Forms and E-Government

1. [1] RIS — Tenancy Act (MRG)
2. [2] Justice Austria — District Court Competence