Tenant Documents for Leaks & Mould in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, leaks or mould can quickly lead to health problems and high repair costs. This text explains in clear language which documents are important, how to document damage, when the landlord is obliged to repair under MRG §3 and which steps you as a tenant can take safely and legally. You will receive practical guidance on correspondence, deadlines and evidence that can be decisive in court or with an insurer. The guide is suitable for acute cases and for preparing long-term remediation so that you protect your rights and avoid unnecessary costs. If necessary, you will find guidance on proceedings before the district court and further resources.
What to do for a leak or mould?
Quick, correct action reduces damage and protects your claims. Document everything and inform the landlord in writing. Here are first steps many tenants should implement immediately:
- Stop the water (water) and remove immediate hazards
- Take photos and videos (photo, video) with dates
- Inform the landlord in writing and report the defect (notice)
- Set a deadline: expect a response within 14 days (within, days)
- Inform emergency contacts and your insurer (call, contact)
Which documents do tenants need?
Good records make cases much easier for tenants. Collect systematically:
- Photos, videos and date stamps (photo, video)
- Correspondence with the landlord (notice, document)
- Invoices and cost estimates for repairs (rent, payment)
- Medical certificates for health issues and expert reports (document)
- Tenancy agreement and handover protocol
Rights, obligations and MRG §3
In Austria, the Tenancy Law (MRG) governs the landlord's maintenance obligations; tenants are entitled to a habitable dwelling and to having defects remedied by the landlord [1]. If the landlord does not react, tenants can consider rights such as rent reduction, compensation for damages or self-remedy with cost reimbursement. Documentation and setting deadlines are central to this.
When may the tenant repair themselves?
Self-remedy is possible if there are acute dangers or the landlord does not act despite a deadline. The procedure and settlement should always be documented.
- Take immediate measures for urgent damage (within, hours)
- Keep invoices and claim costs in writing (payment)
- Collect witnesses, photos and written statements (document)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I reduce the rent if mould is not removed?
- Yes, under certain conditions tenants can reduce the rent. Document the defect and deadline and inform the landlord in writing [1].
- Which documents are important when reporting damage?
- Photos, videos with dates, written correspondence, invoices, expert reports and the tenancy agreement are decisive.
- How long does the landlord have to carry out repairs?
- There is no fixed deadline for all cases; typical deadlines for non-urgent damage are 14–30 days. For urgent damage act immediately and consider legal steps [2].
How-To
- Within 24 hours: secure urgent damage and avert hazards (within, hours)
- Document: take photos, videos and record dates (photo, video)
- Inform the landlord in writing and name a reasonable deadline (notice)
- If no reaction: consider rent reduction or claim compensation (rent, payment)
- If necessary: consider filing in the district court and submit your evidence (court) [2]
Key Takeaways
- Thorough documentation strengthens tenant claims.
- Urgent problems require immediate action.
- Written deadlines increase enforcement chances.
