Tenant Rights: Heating/Hot Water Issues in Austria

Many tenants in Austria face sudden heating failures or lack of hot water and do not know what steps help. This article clearly explains which rights tenants have, which obligations landlords bear and how you can quickly and correctly file a written complaint or objection. We discuss documentation, deadlines, possible rent reductions and when you should consider further legal steps at the district court. The guidance is practical, concise and written so you can act yourself — even without legal training. You will learn how to document defects, set deadlines and which evidence is important to make your complaint effective. If necessary, we also show how to prepare legal steps and which official bodies can help.

What to do if the heating or hot water supply fails?

If the heating or hot water fails, you should first assess the situation and inform the landlord. Under the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) there is often a landlord repair obligation.^[1] Document date, time, affected rooms and take photos or videos as evidence. Request the landlord in writing to remedy the problem and set a reasonable deadline.

Quick steps

• Document defects (evidence): photos, date, time and affected rooms.
• Inform the landlord in writing (notice) and set a clear deadline.
• For urgent issues hire a specialist (repair) and keep receipts.

Documentation, deadlines and possible rent reduction

Documentation increases your chances of successfully requesting repairs or cost coverage. Set a concrete deadline (e.g., 48–72 hours for winter failures) and communicate it in writing. If the landlord does not respond, you may consider rent reduction, commissioning a specialist yourself, or initiating legal action.

What to collect

• Photos and videos (evidence) with date and time stamps.
• Correspondence with the landlord, e‑mails and handover records (notice).
• Notes on times and deadlines (deadline) of the report and responses.

FAQ

Who pays for repair costs when the heating fails?

In principle, the landlord bears the costs for necessary repairs, unless otherwise contractually agreed or the tenant caused the damage.

What can I do if the landlord does not respond?

Send a written deadline. If the landlord does not react, you can consider rent reduction, arrange substitute performance yourself, or examine legal action at the district court.^[2]

Can I reduce the rent if hot water or heating is missing?

Rent reduction is possible if the usability of the apartment is substantially impaired. The amount depends on the scope and duration of the defect.

How-To

1. Step 1: Collect defect and evidence (evidence): photos, videos, dates and witness notes.
2. Step 2: Send a written request to the landlord (notice) and set a deadline.
3. Step 3: Monitor the deadline (deadline) and plan further steps if unresolved.
4. Step 4: If no response, consider legal action at the district court (court).^[2]
5. Step 5: Use forms and e‑government services, for example JustizOnline for court submissions (forms).^[3]

Help and Support

• [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
• [2] Justice - Information on Courts
• [3] JustizOnline - Electronic Forms

1. [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
2. [2] Justice - Information on Courts
3. [3] JustizOnline - Electronic Forms