Tenant Guide: Mold & Leaks in Austria
Many tenants in Austria face the problem that small leaks go unnoticed and later cause mold. As a tenant, you should know when you can act yourself, which steps are important, and when the landlord is responsible for repairs. This article explains clearly how to detect damage early, what documentation helps, and how to report defects correctly so that your home remains habitable. We list common mistakes, deadlines and concrete action steps for documentation and communication with the landlord, as well as next steps if repairs are not carried out.
Why leaks and mold occur
Leaks often come from defective pipes, seals or connections; mold is caused by moisture, poor ventilation or undetected water damage. Early detection protects against health problems and costly consequential damage.
Common tenant mistakes
- Not reporting immediately: waiting worsens damage and weakens your position with the landlord.
- Poor documentation: missing photos, dates or descriptions make later claims difficult.
- Unclear access handling: do not carry out unilateral interventions in the apartment without agreement.
- Fixing things yourself without consultation: cost reimbursement can be difficult if the landlord does not agree.
What landlords must do (MRG §3)
In Austria, the Tenancy Law regulates maintenance duties; landlords are in many cases responsible for maintenance[1]. Report defects in writing and set a clear deadline for repair. If there is no response, document again and consider further steps.
Concrete steps
- Document damage: take photos, note date, location and a short description.
- Report in writing: send defect notice to the landlord and set a clear deadline.
- Wait for the deadline: give the landlord time to fix it, typically 14–30 days depending on severity.
- If unresolved: consider legal action and, if necessary, involve the district court[2].
Communication tips
Remain factual, send proof and request confirmation. Use registered mail or email with read receipt to later prove that you informed the landlord.
FAQ
- Who pays for repairs after water damage?
- In principle, the landlord is responsible for maintenance, unless the tenant caused the damage themselves.
- Can I reduce the rent because of mold?
- A rent reduction is possible for significant defects, but it should be legally secured and documented.
- What if the landlord does not respond?
- Keep documenting, set a follow-up deadline and consider contacting the district court or legal advice.
How-To
- Take photos and collect all evidence.
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord with a deadline.
- If no response, call and follow up in writing.
- If necessary, consider legal action and prepare documents for court[2].
