Small Repairs: Who Pays? Tenant Rights in Austria

As a tenant in Austria you may often wonder who pays for small repairs in the apartment. Landlords and tenants share responsibilities under the tenancy laws^[1], but clear limits help avoid unnecessary disputes. This article explains in plain language which repairs count as small repairs, which costs tenants must cover and when the landlord is responsible for maintenance. You will learn how to document damage, respect deadlines and take formal steps if the landlord does not respond. The tips are practical, aligned with Austrian rules and aimed at tenants without legal background. We also explain which receipts to collect and how to use free advice services. For complex cases we outline steps for judicial clarification and important deadlines.

What are small repairs?

Small repairs are usually minor handyman tasks needed to keep the apartment usable. Typical examples include replacing a seal, fixing a dripping faucet, or changing a fuse. Whether a work counts as a small repair depends on its scope and cost; contracts may set limits, but statutory minimum rules also apply^[2].

• Leaking faucets or defective shower heads.
• Replacing worn door locks or small hinges.
• Repair of sockets or light switches.
• Minor tile or surface plaster repairs.

Who pays the costs?

The main rule is that the landlord is responsible for keeping the rental in good condition. Many rental contracts, however, specify that tenants must pay certain small repairs up to a cost limit. Such clauses are valid only if they are reasonable and explicit in the contract; excessive lump sums are often invalid. If nothing is agreed, larger repairs are the landlord's duty and small, inexpensive repairs may fall to the tenant.

Before paying for a repair, notify the landlord in writing and set a reasonable deadline for completion. If the landlord does not act, after documentation you may arrange the repair yourself and under some conditions seek reimbursement or deduct the cost from rent; in difficult cases legal advice is recommended^[3].

Practical tips for tenants

• Keep a defect log with dates, photos and cost estimates.
• Send defect notices in writing by email or registered mail.
• Set clear deadlines and document any time limits you give.

FAQ

Do I have to pay for all small repairs as a tenant?

No. Only if there is a valid small-repair clause in the rental contract and the per-repair costs are reasonable may the tenant be obliged to pay.

Can I arrange the repair myself and claim reimbursement from the landlord?

You should first ask the landlord in writing. If there is no response and the defect is urgent, in some cases you can have the repair done and claim the costs back if you provide receipts and documentation.

What if the landlord refuses to repair?

Document the defect, contact tenant advice services and consider judicial clarification at the district court; deadlines matter.

How-To

1. Notify the landlord in writing and request repair within a clear deadline.
2. Collect photos, estimates and receipts as evidence of the defect.
3. Set a reasonable deadline and state which steps you will take after it expires.
4. If no agreement is possible, contact tenant advice or prepare a claim at the district court.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] RIS - Tenancy Act (MRG)
• [2] RIS - General Civil Code (ABGB)
• [3] JustizOnline - Forms and judicial procedures

1. [1] RIS - Tenancy Act (MRG)
2. [2] RIS - General Civil Code (ABGB)
3. [3] JustizOnline - Forms and judicial procedures