Tenant Documents for Terminating Lease for Move in Austria
Which documents do I need?
As a tenant in Austria, terminating a lease due to a job change or move can raise many questions. To make the termination effective and ensure a smooth handover, gather the right documents in good time: termination letter, lease agreement, handover protocol, payment records and, if applicable, employer confirmations or registration changes. This guide explains which documents matter, which deadlines to watch, and how to document damages. You will also find practical steps for handing back the apartment, tips on deposit settlement and notes on official forms.[2]
- Termination letter with date and signature.
- Lease agreement and any additional agreements.
- Payment records for recent months (rent, utilities, deposit).
- Handover protocol and photos to document the apartment condition.
- Employer confirmation or move documents if relevant.
- Registration or de-registration certificates.
Deadlines and handback
Check your lease and the statutory rules in the Austrian Tenancy Act, because deadlines may vary by contract or law[1]. Send the termination in writing and with proof of delivery, ideally by registered mail or verifiable email. Note the sending date and keep copies.
- Check and meet contractual deadlines.
- Observe statutory deadlines when applicable.
- Send the termination in writing with proof.
Preparing the apartment handover
For the handover, prepare a detailed protocol, take photos and record defects in writing. Clarify early which repairs you must carry out and which the landlord must handle. Arrange a date for the key handover and document the return of keys.
- Handover protocol with date, meter readings and signatures.
- Photos of defects and the apartment condition.
- Report defects in writing and collect cost estimates if possible.
- Document the key handover.
- Check the deposit settlement and keep receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. Do I have to find a replacement tenant?
- Generally tenants are not obliged to find a replacement tenant unless the lease or an explicit agreement requires it.
- 2. What deadline applies when I change jobs?
- It depends on your lease and the Tenancy Act; check both and keep written evidence.
- 3. How does the deposit settlement work?
- The landlord inspects for damages and outstanding charges; keep payment records and the handover protocol to ensure a correct settlement.
How-To
- Collect documents: lease, payment receipts, termination letter, handover protocol and photos.
- Write and send the termination: include date, addresses, lease details and desired end date, sign and send with proof.
- Check deadlines: verify contract and statutory deadlines and document the sending date.
- Prepare the handover: arrange a time, document defects and create a handover protocol.
- Review the deposit settlement: have receipts ready and clarify any outstanding items with the landlord.
