Tenant Protection: Illness & Pregnancy in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, illness or pregnancy can raise questions about tenant protection, protection against termination, and required proof. This template helps you inform your landlord clearly and factually about your situation, address deadlines and secure rights such as protection from unlawful termination. I explain step by step which documents make sense, how to observe deadlines and which phrases are important in the letter. The guidance applies to different situations such as temporary incapacity to work, long-term illness or pregnancy. The goal is to give you confidence so you can represent your interests as a tenant competently and with legal certainty. At the end you will also find a sample letter you can adapt.
Rights in case of illness or pregnancy
As a tenant in Austria, you have fundamental protections under the Tenancy Law against abusive terminations and discrimination.[1] In disputes, the district court often decides; for procedural questions the justice portal provides further information.[2] Inform the landlord early, attach medical certificates and request written confirmation.
What the sample letter should include
A clearly structured letter makes it easier to assert your rights as a tenant. Pay attention to precise wording, a short description of the situation and concrete requests to the landlord.
- Wording (form): clear subject, sender, date and request for written confirmation.
- Situation and duration (evidence): describe illness or pregnancy, expected duration and attach certificates.
- Concrete request (form): ask for a response deadline or suggest alternative solutions.
- Evidence (evidence): include copies of medical letters, sick notes and relevant documents.
- Mention tenant protection (safety): briefly reference protection rights without legal jargon.
Important deadlines
- Request a response within (deadline) 14 days if not otherwise legally regulated.
- Act immediately on court deadlines and seek legal advice if necessary.
Documentation
- Medical certificates (evidence): date, duration of incapacity to work and issuing authority.
- Communication (evidence): copies of all emails and letters with date and recipient.
FAQ
- Can my landlord terminate my tenancy because of pregnancy?
- A termination solely because of pregnancy is generally socially and legally problematic; seek advice and document everything.
- Do I have to show my medical certificate to the landlord immediately?
- Inform the landlord promptly and include a copy of the certificate; keep the original.
- What deadlines apply for the landlord's responses?
- Request a written reply within a concrete deadline, such as 14 days, to protect your rights.
How-To
- Prepare the letter (form): use the template and fill in personal details.
- Collect evidence (evidence): include copies of certificates and relevant communication.
- Send (form): deliver by registered mail or in person with confirmation of receipt.
- Document (contact): note the date of sending and all responses from the landlord.
