Sample Letter: Energy Certificate for Tenants in Austria
What you need to know
Many landlords must have an energy certificate available during the rental process or present it on request; as a tenant in Austria you can demand inspection or a copy. The energy certificate contains information on energy efficiency and is important if you want to understand rent increases or heating costs[1].
Request the certificate in writing and set a clear deadline.
How to structure the sample letter
A clear letter states the facts, the requested action (copy or inspection), a reasonable deadline and your contact details. Use factual language and document the dispatch.
- Template or sample text: address, date, subject and brief description of the facts.
- Set a deadline: Specify a period of e.g. 14 days.
- Documentation: Keep proof of dispatch and responses.
Respond promptly to landlord replies to avoid jeopardizing rights.
What to do if the certificate is missing
If the certificate is missing, you can initially request it politely and possibly set a second deadline. If there is no response, you can consider legal steps or seek advice; in some cases a lawsuit at the district court is possible[2].
FAQ
- Who can request the energy certificate?
- In principle, the tenant has the right to inspection or a copy, if the certificate exists.
- What is an appropriate deadline?
- A deadline of 10–14 days is common; specify a concrete date.
- What should I write if the landlord does not respond?
- Document the lack of response, send a follow-up deadline and consider legal advice.
How-To
- Prepare template text: date, subject, demand for a copy or inspection of the certificate.
- Set a deadline: specify a clear date within 10–14 days.
- Send and document: use registered mail or email with read receipt.
- Next steps: if no response, consider legal advice or court action.
Help and Support / Resources
- RIS: official legal texts and consolidated versions.
- Justice (Justiz): information on court procedures and jurisdictions.
- JustizOnline: electronic forms and procedures.
