Tenant Documents for Heating Failure in Austria

If the heating fails in your rented apartment in Austria, you need clear documents to assert your rights as a tenant. This guide explains which documents, photos and evidence are important, how to inform the landlord and which deadlines apply. You will learn how to report defects in writing, document heating failures and, if necessary, demand replacement measures. The advice covers evidence preservation, rent reduction, deposit issues and possible court steps. The goal is to provide you with practical, understandable support so you can communicate effectively with the landlord, property manager and authorities and protect your claims under Austrian tenancy law. Concrete examples show which photos are helpful and which formulations work in a written defect notice. At the end you will find information on official forms and legal procedures in Austria.

What to collect

The following documents help you prove the damage and enforce your rights:

• Written defect notice to the landlord
• Photos of thermometers and affected rooms with dates
• Temperature records or heating logs
• Communication: emails, SMS and letters
• Receipts for emergency service, replacement heaters or repairs
• Witness statements from neighbors or property manager

How to proceed

Rights and obligations are governed by the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)^[1], so it is important to observe deadlines and formal requirements.

1. Inform the landlord immediately in writing about the heating failure and demand remediation within a reasonable deadline.
2. Document temperatures, date and time and all contacts with the landlord.
3. Request a written confirmation from the landlord about receipt and planned measures.
4. If necessary, hire an emergency heating service and keep invoices as evidence.
5. Consider rent reduction only after legal review; note calculation basis and period.
6. If no response, use official forms or legal steps via the JustizOnline platform^[2].

FAQ

Which proofs suffice as temperature evidence?

Photos showing a visible thermometer, daily temperature records or a heating service log are suitable.

Can I reduce the rent immediately?

Rent reduction is possible but should be well documented and legally justified; immediate unilateral withholding without advice is rarely recommended.

Who do I contact for prolonged failure?

Contact the landlord first, then the property manager if applicable, and if necessary the district authority or court to enforce claims.

How-To

1. Step 1: Note the time, duration and symptoms of the heating failure.
2. Step 2: Send a written defect notice to the landlord with a deadline.
3. Step 3: Collect photos, temperature logs and receipts.
4. Step 4: Request written confirmations and document responses.
5. Step 5: If unresolved, consider rent reduction or legal action.

Help and Support

• RIS - Legal Information System of the Federal Government
• JustizOnline – electronic forms and submissions
• Justice – information on courts and procedures

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] JustizOnline - Electronic Forms