Tenant Documents: Accrual vs Flat Fee Austria
As a tenant in Austria it is important to know which documents you need for billing of operating costs. Accrual payments and flat fees are settled differently, and the required receipts vary: lease agreement, payment receipts, meter reading reports and invoices for repairs are often decisive. This article explains in plain language which documents landlords must provide, how to check accrual statements, when flat fees are permitted and which deadlines apply for objections. I also describe practical steps to request missing documents and when a visit to the district court may be appropriate. I also provide useful wording for written requests to the landlord and point to official sources and deadlines.
What are accrual payments and flat fees?
Accrual (akonto) means advance payments towards operating costs during the year; after the accounting period ends the landlord must present a final statement with receipts showing the actual costs. A flat fee is a fixed amount charged without individual receipts. Both models are permitted in Austria but differ in transparency and verifiability.[1]
Which documents do you need?
- Lease agreement (form).
- Previous year statement or comparative statement (record).
- Payment receipts for accrual payments / payment receipts.
- Invoices for repairs and maintenance (repair).
- Meter readings, reading reports (record).
Accrual vs Flat Fee: Pros and Cons
Accrual
- Regular payments throughout the year (payment).
- Final statement is explained with receipts (record).
- Objection deadlines must be observed (deadline).
Flat Fee
- Fixed amount without individual receipts (payment).
- Can be simpler but offers less control (safety).
How to request missing documents
Send the landlord a short, clear request asking them to provide the missing statements and receipts within a deadline. Specify the exact documents (lease, invoices, meter readings) and suggest a deadline of, for example, 14 days. Attach copies of your payment receipts and document sending (email with read receipt or registered mail). If there is no response you can lodge an objection and, if necessary, consider court action.[2]
FAQ
- What is accrual (akonto)?
- Accrual are advance payments toward operating costs that the landlord requires during the year and settles at year-end with receipts.
- Which documents must the landlord provide?
- The landlord must provide the lease, statements, invoices and payment receipts; meter readings and reading reports are also important.
- How long should I keep receipts?
- Keep receipts for at least three years so you have evidence in case of queries or disputes.
How-To
- Collect all existing documents and payment receipts.
- Request missing statements in writing by email or registered mail.
- Check the statement against your receipts and meter readings.
- File an objection in writing within the stated deadline.
- If needed, file a claim at the district court.
