Tenant Privacy & Screening Template Austria
Tenants in Austria often face screening requests and sensitive privacy questions during rental applications. This guide explains in plain language which personal data landlords are allowed to request, how you can demand access and deletion under the GDPR and Austrian data protection rules, and which documents may be inadmissible. With the attached template letter you can specifically request information, refuse disclosure of unnecessary information and document data protection violations. I describe step by step which proofs are useful, how to set deadlines and how to react in case of resistance. The goal is to strengthen tenant rights and provide simple, practical steps so you can enforce privacy when moving in Austria confidently and securely. At the end you will also find guidance on how to proceed legally in case of repeated violations. The guidance is practical and applicable.
What landlords may request
Landlords are generally allowed to request only documents relevant to the rental decision; rights arise from the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) and data protection rules.[1] The review must be proportionate and personal data should not be shared if there is no legal basis.
- Proof of income (income) — e.g. payslips or bank statements.
- Photo ID or registration certificate (document) for identification.
- References from previous landlords (record) for credit checks.
- Written consent for credit checks if an external credit check is performed.
Which documents are inadmissible
Certain data are not required for the rental application and must not be requested. Landlords should only collect data that directly contributes to the decision.
- Bank PINs or account access (privacy) — these details are never required.
- Medical records or intimate health information without relevance to the tenancy.
- Questions about sexual orientation, religion or political views.
Template letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am applying for the apartment at [address]. Please send me within 14 days the following information and copies of the documents you requested:
- A list of the personal data you hold that relate to my application.
- An explanation why each requested item is necessary for the rental decision.
- Information on which third parties have access to or have accessed my data.
Please note that you may only process data that are necessary for the rental decision. Refrain from disclosing non-essential sensitive information. If I do not receive a satisfactory reply within the deadline, I reserve the right to take further steps.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Note: For formal procedures or repeated violations, official forms may help.[3]
FAQ
- Can a landlord request a credit report?
- Yes, if it is necessary for the decision and you are informed in advance; explicit consent may be required.
- Can I prevent the disclosure of my health data?
- Yes, health data are especially protected and should not be requested without clear justification.
- How long does a landlord have to respond to an information request?
- Set a reasonable deadline, often 14 days; if there is no response, document the case and consider legal steps.
How-To
- Check which documents the landlord requests and note why each piece of information is asked for.
- Send the template letter by email or registered mail and set a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days).
- If no satisfactory reply is received, contact advisory services or the data protection authority.
- For persistent breaches or clear illegality, you may bring the matter before the district court.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Collect evidence and document every request systematically.
- Only provide data that are necessary and refuse inadmissible requests.
- You can actively enforce privacy rights with a clear template letter.
