Tenant Rights: Access to Receipts & Contracts Austria

As a tenant in Austria you often have the right to access receipts, statements and your tenancy agreement. Many make mistakes when requesting access: unclear wording, missing deadlines or incomplete documentation. This guide explains in plain language which documents you can request, how to formally ask for access or copies, which deadlines apply and how to best document responses and records. You will also read which mistakes to avoid concerning utility bills, deposit statements or contract clauses. At the end you will find practical checklists and tips for contacting the landlord and the official authorities in Austria if a dispute cannot be resolved amicably.

Which documents can you access?

In principle tenants can request access to all statements and their tenancy agreement; the legal basis can stem from tenancy law^[1]. Typical documents include:

• Tenancy agreement and associated contract pages
• Utility statements and detailed receipts
• Deposit statements or refund records
• Payment receipts, invoices and bank statements insofar as they substantiate the statement

Common mistakes when requesting access

Typical mistakes cost time or rights. Pay attention to these points:

• Unclear or verbal requests instead of written, dated demands
• Not observing or documenting deadlines
• Not keeping copies of received responses
• Accepting incomplete statements without asking for details

How to request access

A structured request increases chances of success. Suggested steps:

1. Write a clear, written request with the date and a concrete list of the documents you want to see.
2. Name a deadline (e.g. 14 days) and document when you sent the request.
3. Keep copies of the request and all replies; photograph or scan handovers.
4. If there is no response or it is incomplete, consider next steps (e.g. advice, district court).

FAQ

Which documents can I view as a tenant?

You can request access to your tenancy agreement, utility statements and supporting receipts; details depend on the case and may be regulated by law^[1].

Within what time should the landlord respond?

An appropriate deadline is often 14 days; agreed or statutory deadlines are decisive.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Document the request, send a reminder and, if necessary, seek legal advice or involve the district court.

How-To

1. Collect all documents you already have (agreement, payments, statements).
2. Draft a written access request with the date and a list of required documents.
3. Set a clear deadline (e.g. 14 days) and send the request by email and/or registered mail.
4. Record every reply and prepare for legal steps if necessary.

Help and Support

• RIS - Legal Information System of the Federal Government
• justiz.gv.at - Court information
• JustizOnline - Forms and e-Services

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] JustizOnline - Formulare und e-Services