Tenant Deadlines for Illness & Pregnancy in Austria
Which deadlines apply for tenants?
There is no single deadline that applies to all cases; instead, deadlines vary by situation: sick leave notification, submission of a medical certificate, reporting defects or objecting to a termination. In cases of serious illness or pregnancy, special termination protection may apply, and many actions must be taken "without delay" or "without culpable hesitation." If you rely on statutory protection rules, it is important to document relevant dates in writing and meet deadlines. The Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) and the competent courts provide the framework.[1]
What should tenants do concretely?
Act clearly and with documentation: inform the landlord, request necessary repairs and secure evidence. In health-related situations, a medical certificate can be decisive for deadline and termination protection. If defects affect habitability (e.g., heating, water, mold), report them in writing and set reasonable deadlines for remedy. Mention in your report that you are affected by illness or pregnancy if relevant.
- Report defects immediately and set a deadline for remedy.
- Collect and date medical certificates and supporting documents.
- Document correspondence by registered mail or traceable email.
- Describe repair needs clearly and, if appropriate, name a deadline for completion.
- If there is no response, consider whether litigation or an injunction at the district court is necessary.
If the landlord does not react, document repeated contact attempts and consider legal advice. The judiciary provides procedures and forms that tenants can use to assert claims.[2]
When does special protection apply in pregnancy or illness?
Pregnancy and serious illnesses can trigger termination protection or require a review of the reasonableness of a termination. That does not automatically make a termination invalid, but courts take the health condition into account during the assessment. Inform the landlord in good time and submit medical evidence. In unclear cases, the district court can be asked to decide.[2]
Practical tips for preserving evidence
Collect photos, written notifications, emails and medical certificates. Keep a logbook with dates and times of conversations or inspections. If possible, obtain acknowledgements of receipt. Such documents are often decisive if deadlines are disputed or a court is involved.
- Take dated photos of defects.
- Archive emails and letters as copies.
- Briefly log phone calls and name the contact person.
FAQ
- What evidence do I need to obtain deadline protection?
- You generally need medical certificates, written notifications to the landlord and evidence of housing defects; try to compile complete documentation.
- Can the landlord terminate during pregnancy?
- A termination is not automatically invalid, but courts examine protection reasons; a medical certificate and timely communication increase your chances to enforce protection.
- What if the landlord does not carry out repairs?
- Report defects in writing, set a reasonable deadline and consider initiating proceedings at the district court or contractual penalties if agreed.
Anleitung
- Inform the landlord immediately in writing about your illness or pregnancy and attach a medical certificate.
- Document all defects with photos and request a deadline for remedy by registered mail or traceable email.
- Collect all receipts and log conversations; keep copies safe.
- If the landlord does not respond, file a lawsuit or an urgent application at the district court if necessary (information and forms via JustizOnline).[3]
