Template Letter: Heating & Hot Water for Tenants Austria
As a tenant in Austria, it is important to know how to act when heating or hot water fails. A written template letter can help describe the defect clearly, set a reasonable deadline and document legal consequences. This article explains step by step which details should be in a letter, common deadlines, which evidence you should collect and when rent reduction or involving the courts is appropriate. The information is based on Austrian tenancy law and shows practical wording you can use or adapt. At the end you will find a short guide, an FAQ and pointers to official bodies for forms and legal texts.
What to do in case of a heating or hot water fault?
Act promptly: report the defect immediately in writing to the landlord and document time, effect (e.g. no hot showers, low room temperature) and any health impacts. Refer to your legal rights under the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) and specify a concrete deadline for remedying the defect.[1]
- Set a clear deadline (deadline) of 14 days for the repair.
- Collect evidence: photos, temperature logs and witnesses (evidence).
- Send a written defect notice by registered mail or by email with confirmation of receipt (form).
- Inform yourself about rent reduction (rent) and state the possible start date of the reduction period.
Wording examples and template letter
A short, factual letter is sufficient: date, address, exact description of the defect, deadline and note on consequences (rent reduction, remedial action, court). Example: "Dear Mr/Ms X, since [date] the heating and/or hot water have not been functioning. I set a deadline for remedy by [date, e.g. in 14 days]. If no remedy is provided by then, I reserve the right to reduce the rent and take further legal steps."
When external help is useful
If the landlord does not respond or the repair does not take place, you can arrange remedial action by third parties or file a claim at the district court. Keep all invoices and payment receipts; these are important for reimbursement claims or compensation.
FAQ
- Can I reduce the rent immediately if the heating fails?
- Yes, under certain conditions rent reduction is possible. Documentation of the defect and a reasonable deadline for repair are important.
- How do I set a deadline correctly?
- Specify a date or a clear period (e.g. 14 days) and state the consequences if the defect is not remedied.
- Who can I contact in case of acute health hazards?
- In case of health hazards contact the landlord first and, if necessary, the public health authority or an appropriate emergency service.
How-To
- Write a defect notice immediately with a deadline (deadline) and send it by registered mail or email.
- Call the landlord and note the date and time of the conversation (call) in your log.
- Document the damage with photos, measurements and witnesses (evidence) and save all receipts.
- If there is no response, consider remedial action or legal steps at the district court (court).
- Keep all letters and invoices and seek legal advice if necessary (form).
Key Takeaways
- React quickly and set a clear deadline.
- Document every step carefully.
- Written defect notices form the basis for later claims.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] RIS - Legal Information System
- [2] Justice - Information and Forms
- [3] JustizOnline - Electronic Forms
