Tenant Repairs in Austria: Small Fixes & Rights
Many tenants in Austria wonder whether they may carry out minor repairs such as dripping taps, blocked drains or faulty door locks themselves. The answer depends on the lease agreement, the size of the dwelling and applicable legal rules. In this guide I explain clearly which actions are typically the tenant's responsibility, when the landlord is responsible for repairs and how to handle costs, deadlines and proof correctly. You will receive practical steps for communicating with the landlord, documenting damage and avoiding disputes. At the end you will find frequently asked questions and a step-by-step guide for concrete cases in Austria. If in doubt, consult the Mietrechtsgesetz[1] and district courts[2] and contact free advisory services.
When may a tenant repair?
In general, many small maintenance tasks are the tenant's responsibility as long as they do not substantially change the condition of the rental or require costly interventions. The lease terms, the type of defect and whether the usability is affected are decisive. If uncertain, inform the landlord before undertaking major expenses.
What counts as a minor repair?
- Fixing a dripping tap and replacing seals.
- Cleaning occasionally blocked drains.
- Replacing light bulbs and switches.
- Replacing small door locks or fittings.
Who pays when it is bigger?
If there is a major defect—such as a broken heating system, burst pipe or structural mould—the landlord is usually responsible for costs. Inform your landlord immediately in writing and, if appropriate, set a deadline for repair. Check the lease and the severity of the defect before covering costs yourself.
- Report defects immediately in writing by email or letter.
- Request a reasonable deadline for repair.
- Document all contacts and appointments.
Documentation and evidence
Good documentation is often decisive when it later comes to costs or liability. Keep logs, receipts and timestamped photos.
- Take photos before and after the repair.
- Keep invoices, estimates and receipts.
- Record witness names and appointment dates.
FAQ
- Can the landlord require me to do small repairs myself?
- Yes, the lease often permits assigning small maintenance tasks to the tenant; however, check the specific contract clause.
- What may I repair without the landlord's consent?
- Typical minor repairs like changing a light bulb or sealing a tap are usually allowed; more significant interventions should be agreed first.
- Can I reclaim costs if I paid in an emergency?
- Under certain conditions you can demand reimbursement if the landlord was informed and did not act in time; keep all receipts.
How-To
- Contact the landlord immediately by phone and announce a written notification.
- Write a defect report with date, description and requested deadline.
- Set a reasonable deadline for repair and document it.
- If there is no response, seek legal advice or contact the district court.
Key Takeaways
- Minor repairs are often the tenant's responsibility, larger ones fall to the landlord.
- Documentation and written reports are crucial in disputes.
- Always check the lease before paying for repairs yourself.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] RIS – Legal Information System of the Federal Government
- [2] Justiz.gv.at – Information on courts and procedures
- [3] JustizOnline – Electronic forms and submissions
