Tenant Guide: Check Service Charges in Austria
What is a service charge statement?
A service charge statement lists the building's operating costs and allocates them among tenants. Check whether the allocation, calculations and provided receipts are understandable. Legal basis can be found in the Tenancy Law (MRG).[1]
In many cases errors can be found by simple sum checks.
Which documents should you collect?
- The statement itself (all pages)
- Payment records and bank statements
- Tenancy agreement and additional agreements
- Correspondence with the landlord
- Invoices from service providers
Keep receipts for at least three years.
Sample letter: How to phrase the request
In the sample letter state clearly the billing period under review, the disputed items and a deadline for a response. Send the letter by registered mail or by email with read receipt and keep copies. If necessary, refer to the legal basis and request missing receipts.[2]
Example (short): Dear landlord, please send me the receipts for the service charge statement for the period XX/XX to XX/XX. Please check the following items: [list]. Please respond within 30 days.
Respond in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
FAQ
- What can I check?
- You can check allocation keys, calculation errors and missing receipts. Request missing receipts in writing.
- What deadlines apply?
- Objections should be made as soon as possible; a 30-day response period is often recommended.
- When is court action appropriate?
- If the landlord does not respond or the statement is grossly incorrect, a clarification at the district court may be necessary.
How-To
- Review the statement and mark unclear items.
- Collect receipts and proof of payment.
- Draft the sample letter and send it with documentation.
- If unresolved: consider court action at the district court.
