Tenant Documents: Costs & Legal Aid in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, you should keep important documents on costs, repairs and legal aid at hand. This article explains which documents to collect, how to report minor repairs, which obligations landlords have under the Tenancy Law and how to secure evidence in case of disputes. I provide practical documentation steps, guidance on deadlines and links to official forms so you can better enforce claims for cost coverage or defect remediation. If necessary, you will find guidance on meeting deadlines and when to seek legal advice or assistance from tenant associations or court help. At the end there is an FAQ and a step-by-step guide to filing lawsuits or applications via JustizOnline.
Which documents do tenants need?
Keep all relevant papers and digital proofs from the start. Organize documents chronologically and have a copy ready in case of dispute.
- Tenancy agreement and any addendums
- Handover protocol at move-in and move-out
- Photos and videos of defects with date and time
- Correspondence with the landlord (emails, letters, printed messages)
- Invoices, receipts and cost estimates
Costs and repair obligations under the Tenancy Law
As a rule, the Tenancy Law in Austria regulates maintenance and repair duties; minor repairs can be assigned to the tenant in the contract, while major maintenance work is usually the landlord's responsibility.[1] Report defects in writing and request a deadline for rectification.
- Report defects immediately and secure dated photos
- Send a written request for remediation with a set deadline
- Collect invoices and cost estimates
Legal aid, evidence preservation and handling costs
Before accepting cost coverage, check whether defect remediation is the landlord's duty. Secure complete evidence: dated photos, witnesses and written communication. If the landlord does not respond, obtain cost estimates and consider substitute measures — but only after legal review.
- Keep all receipts and photos in one folder
- Contact tenant advice services or legal aid early
- Check official forms and applications via JustizOnline[2]
FAQ
- What evidence helps with a cost reimbursement?
- Photos with dates, invoices, written defect reports and witness statements are central.
- Can I pay for repairs myself and reclaim money from the landlord?
- Only if the landlord was previously given a written request to remedy the defect and did not respond; legal review is advised.
- Where do I file a lawsuit if no agreement is possible?
- Tenancy disputes are usually filed at the district court; exact procedural guidance is available from the courts.[3]
How-To
- Document the defect with photos and dates.
- Write a formal defect notice to the landlord and set a reasonable deadline.
- Collect cost estimates and receipts in case you pay or seek reimbursement.
- If no agreement is reached, file a claim at the responsible district court or use JustizOnline.
Key Takeaways
- Keep all documents in order and back them up digitally.
- Act within deadlines and keep written records of requests.
- Thorough evidence and witnesses strengthen your position.
