Tenant Rights: Access to Receipts & Contracts in Austria
As a tenant in Austria you have the right to inspect receipts and your rental agreement to verify payments, service charges and arrangements. This guide explains clearly and practically when you may request access, how to store receipts and digital files securely and which deadlines apply for requests and legal steps. I also explain how to formally request inspection, which documents landlords must provide and what steps are possible in case of disputes before a district court. The aim is to give you, as a tenant, understandable actions to enforce your rights without legal jargon and with references to official sources and forms. Use this information as a starting point for concrete issues.
What you need to know
In principle, tenants can request inspection of service charge receipts, statements and the rental contract so that payments are transparent. Legal provisions are found in the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) [1] and in the Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (ABGB) for tenancy contracts [2]. For court steps or forms use JustizOnline [3].
- Inspect service charge receipts and request copies.
- Request a copy of the signed rental agreement.
- Observe deadlines for inspection and objections.
- Report repair needs to the landlord in writing and document them.
How to request inspection
Send a short, clear request by e-mail and also by registered mail or hand-delivery with receipt confirmation. Specify exactly which receipts or contract pages you need and set a reasonable deadline for presentation (e.g. 14 days). Keep all messages and delivery confirmations.
If the landlord does not respond, document that, collect payment receipts, bank statements and possible witnesses, and consider the option of filing a complaint at the district court or a lawsuit to enforce your inspection rights.
FAQ
- Can the landlord refuse inspection?
- No, a complete and comprehensible statement is mandatory; copies or receipts must not be unreasonably withheld unless there are legitimate data protection or third-party rights.
- How quickly must the landlord respond?
- There is no uniform legal deadline for every situation; however, a response within a few weeks is common. In your request, set a clear, reasonable deadline (e.g. 14 days).
- What can I do if receipts are missing or incomplete?
- Request resubmission in writing, document deadlines and missing items, and consider clarifying the matter before the district court if the landlord does not cooperate.
How-To
- Gather relevant documents such as the rental agreement, payments and prior statements.
- Send a formal request to the landlord with the date, requested documents and a clear deadline.
- Keep copies, emails and delivery confirmations securely.
- If no inspection occurs, consider filing a claim at the district court or seeking advice from a tenant association.
