Tenant Deadlines: Cleaning & Deposit in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, it is important to know the deadlines for final cleaning and the refund of the security deposit. Many disputes can be avoided if you prepare documents, handover reports and photos in good time and observe deadlines. This article explains clearly when final cleaning should take place, how long a landlord may retain the deposit, and which legal basics apply. You will get practical steps to claim the deposit, advice on communicating with the landlord and tips for securing evidence. In disputed cases we show when filing at the district court may be sensible and which official sources can help.
What Tenants Need to Know
Deadlines for Final Cleaning
There is no single statutory deadline for final cleaning; the rental contract often regulates details; generally cleaning should be completed before handover so defects and dirt can be documented.[1]
- Take photos and create a handover report
- Plan final cleaning and keep invoices
- Arrange a handover appointment with the landlord
- Document defects
Keep all handover photos and receipts.
Deposit Refund: Deadlines and Deductions
A landlord may use the deposit only to secure legitimate claims; repayment must follow accounting, but the exact duration depends on resolving outstanding claims.[2]
- Refund after review within a reasonable period
- If withheld: request a written breakdown of deductions
- Deductions only for actual repair costs
Respond promptly to demands to avoid losing rights.
What to Do in a Dispute?
If the deposit is not returned or deductions are unclear, first send a written refund request with a reasonable deadline. Collect all receipts and check whether an amicable settlement is possible. If the conflict continues, the district court can be contacted; often a claim for repayment or a collection procedure suffices.
Detailed documentation strengthens your position in legal proceedings.
FAQ
- When must final cleaning be done?
- Final cleaning should be completed before the handover; exact dates are usually set out in the rental contract.
- How long can the landlord hold the deposit?
- The landlord may hold the deposit as long as necessary to account for legitimate claims; specifics depend on the case and verification of invoices.
- What if the landlord does not pay?
- Send a written payment request with a deadline; if there is no response, consider filing a claim at the district court or using JustizOnline forms.[3]
How-To
- Take photos and prepare a handover report
- Set a written deadline for refund (e.g. 14 days)
- Collect receipts, invoices and correspondence
- If payment fails, consider court action or a collection procedure at the district court
- Present all documents in the proceedings
Help and Support
- RIS - Legal Information of the Federal Government
- Justice - Court Information
- JustizOnline - Court Forms
