Tenant Negotiation Preparation in Austria
Many tenants in Austria face negotiations with their landlord, for example when repairs or maintenance of the apartment are at issue. This guide explains in clear steps how you as a tenant can prepare for discussions, which documents and evidence are useful, and which deadlines under tenancy law should be observed. It contains practical advice on documenting defects, communicating with the landlord, and when formal steps become necessary. The language remains simple and understandable; legal terms are briefly explained, and it shows how to meet deadlines and present your claims factually. [1]
Rights and Duties for Maintenance & Repair
Under the Tenancy Act, the landlord is generally obliged to maintain the leased property in a usable condition. This includes necessary repairs and remedying defects that affect use. As a tenant you should report defects in writing and give the landlord a reasonable deadline to remedy them.
Preparing for Negotiations
Good preparation increases the chances of an amicable solution. Create a clear file and plan the main discussion points.
- Collect repair receipts (repair), invoices and appointments of tradespeople.
- Take photos and notes as evidence (evidence) with date and place.
- Record deadlines (deadline), when defects were first reported and when remedy was expected.
- Prepare contact logs: who spoke to whom and when (contact)?
- Keep written demands and proposed solutions as well as desired deadlines ready (form).
For complex technical defects, an independent expert can help clarify cause and scope. Also prepare concrete cost breakdowns if you intend to claim compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What repair obligations does the landlord have under MRG §3?
- The landlord must keep the apartment in a condition suitable for contractual use and remedy defects that impair use.
- What can I do if the landlord does not repair?
- Send a formal defect notice with a deadline and document everything. If this does not resolve the issue, further steps such as filing a claim at the district court are possible.[2]
- When is a rent reduction possible?
- A rent reduction is possible when a significant defect impairs usability. The amount and start depend on the severity and duration of the defect.
How-To
- Gather receipts, photos and written reports as a file.
- Contact the landlord in writing and request a deadline for repair.
- Arrange an inspection appointment and record findings in writing.
- Prepare a case file and, if necessary, file a claim or use mediation services.
