Sample Complaint Letter for Tenants in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, it is important to report defects in the apartment clearly and promptly. A formal complaint protects your rights under the Tenancy Act (MRG) [1] and can oblige the landlord to repair, reduce the rent, or cover costs. This article explains in simple steps how to draft a sample complaint letter, which evidence is useful, which deadlines apply, and how to proceed correctly if the landlord does not respond. You will receive practical templates, notes on deadlines and court steps, and examples of phrasing that strengthen your position. The guide is aimed at tenants without a legal background and takes Austrian law into account. At the end you will also find links to official forms and courts [3].
What is a complaint (Mängelrüge)?
A complaint is a formal notification to the landlord in which you describe, document and request the remedy of an existing defect. The complaint should clearly state the date, place and a precise description of the defect, and set a reasonable deadline for remedy. General rights and obligations of tenants and landlords are regulated in the MRG [1].
Gather evidence
Collect all relevant evidence before writing: photos, videos, invoices, correspondence and witness statements. Good documentation makes rent reduction or legal steps easier.
- Photos and videos with date and time
- Correspondence and emails
- Invoices or cost estimates
- Witness names and short statements
Sample letter: structure and wording
Structure the letter clearly: sender, recipient, date, subject, description of the defect, deadline, request for remedy and a note on possible legal consequences (e.g. rent reduction or court steps). Use factual, precise language and attach evidence.
- Sender, recipient, date
- Subject: "Complaint regarding [defect]"
- Short, precise defect description with evidence
- Deadline for remedy (e.g. 14 days)
- Request for remedy and note on consequences
Reporting and legal steps
If the landlord does not respond, further steps are possible: rent reduction, self-remedy with reimbursement, or court resolution at the competent district court [2]. First check prospects of success and deadlines before taking legal action.
- Consider rent reduction
- Self-remedy after a reasonable deadline
- Court resolution at the district court [2]
- Advice from tenant associations or a lawyer
Key takeaways
- Observe deadlines carefully.
- Good documentation strengthens your case.
- If necessary, the district court can decide.
FAQ
- Can I reduce the rent if the landlord does not respond?
- Yes, under certain conditions rent reduction is possible; carefully check the extent and duration of the defect and document everything.
- How long must I give the landlord to repair?
- A reasonable deadline is required; 10–14 days are common, depending on the urgency of the defect.
- Where do I turn if the landlord still does not respond?
- You can go to the district court or seek legal advice first to discuss possible steps.
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, invoices, dates and witnesses.
- Draft the sample letter: description, deadline, request.
- Set a deadline and send the letter by registered mail or delivery service.
- If the landlord does not react, consider legal steps at the district court [2].
- Keep copies of all documents and replies.
