Template Letter: Evidence for Tenants in Austria
Collecting evidence
As a tenant, you should secure evidence as early as possible. Collect photos, invoices and written reports; document date, time and circumstances. Observe deadlines under the Tenancy Act.[1]
- Document photos and videos of damage as well as time and place.
- Save email correspondence, SMS and messages and print them if necessary.
- File invoices, estimates and receipts in chronological order.
Naming witnesses correctly
Note names, contact details and a short statement of witnesses. If possible, ask witnesses for a written confirmation or a short email stating the date and observation.[2]
- Contact witnesses early and obtain consent to name them.
- Collect brief written statements or emails from witnesses that substantiate the events.
Template letter: structure and wording
A clearly structured template letter helps to present your claim understandably. State recipient, date, facts, evidence and the desired response (e.g. defect repair or cost reimbursement). Keep phrasing short, factual and include concrete deadlines.
- Indicate address, subject and date at the top left.
- List evidence and, if applicable, attach photos/documents or state where they are stored.
- Set a clear deadline for the landlord to respond.
After sending
Keep copies, proof of dispatch and responses from the landlord. If there is no response or a dispute arises, you can present documents at a district court; inform yourself about further steps and deadlines.
FAQ
- How do I state evidence in the template letter?
- Describe evidence briefly, precisely and dated; refer to attached photos, invoices or witnesses.
- Can I name witnesses later?
- Yes, you can name witnesses later, but their statements should be documented as soon as possible.
- Are these documents admissible in court?
- Yes, sorted and dated documents support your claims in court and facilitate proof.
How-To
- Collect all relevant receipts and photos.
- Contact witnesses and secure written statements.
- Draft the template letter with date, facts and deadline.
- Send the letter with proof of delivery and archive all documents.
