Tenant Help: Heating & Hot Water in Austria
If the heating or hot water in your rented flat fails, swift action is important. As a tenant in Austria you have rights to basic habitability and the landlord is generally obliged to remedy defects.[1] This guide explains in plain language how to report faults, which deadlines apply, how to secure evidence and when to consider further steps such as substitution measures or legal action. It is aimed at tenants without legal expertise and shows practical wording for notifications to the landlord, tips for communication and which documents to have ready for authorities or courts. Use the checklist and the step‑by‑step instructions to reach a solution quickly.
Immediate steps and your rights
When heating or hot water fails, act clearly and with documentation. Inform the landlord and property management immediately, state the scope of the problem and set a concrete deadline for remedy. If there is a health risk, point this out explicitly and demand immediate remedy.
- Inform the landlord or property management immediately by phone and in writing.
- Document the damage: take photos, note date and time and record affected rooms.
- Set deadlines: state a clear deadline (e.g. 48–72 hours) and announce it in writing.
- Demand repair in writing and keep proof of communication.
- If there is no response: consider options such as substitution measures or legal action at the district court.
Photographs, short written chronologies and witness statements are valuable if substitution measures or rent reduction become necessary later. Also keep heating cost statements if the problem persists.
What to use for communication
Write a short, factual notification with date, description of the defect and a deadline for remedy. Send this preferably by e‑mail and additionally by registered mail if nothing happens within the deadline. Note down call notes with date and time.
Häufige Fragen
- Wer zahlt die Reparaturkosten?
- In den meisten Fällen trägt der Vermieter die Kosten; prüfen Sie das Mietvertragsrecht und informieren Sie sich über MRG‑Pflichten.[1]
- Wie schnell muss der Vermieter reagieren?
- Bei wesentlichen Ausfällen ist eine unverzügliche Reaktion erforderlich; setzen Sie eine angemessene Frist und dokumentieren Sie die Meldung.
- Kann ich Ersatzvornahme selbst durchführen lassen?
- Unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen ist Ersatzvornahme möglich, wenn der Vermieter nicht handelt; holen Sie vorher rechtliche Beratung ein oder informieren Sie das Bezirksgericht.[2]
Anleitung
- Notify the landlord in writing and by phone and set a clear deadline.
- Photograph the damage, note date/time and name witnesses.
- Demand repair in writing and, if necessary, set a follow‑up deadline.
- If there is no response, consider legal action or arrange substitution measures.
