Tenant Rights & Housing Quality in Austria
What to do about mold, damp and asbestos?
Precise documentation is the first step: photos, date, time and short descriptions help to prove the condition. Report the defect in writing to the landlord and request a reasonable deadline for remediation. If visible asbestos or strong mold odors are present, avoid personal intervention and inform the landlord immediately.
- Collect evidence: photos, date, description and measurements if possible.
- Report defects to the landlord in writing and set a deadline for remediation.
- Check whether it is a minor repair or the landlord's maintenance responsibility.
- Document deadlines and plan follow-up so you can prove when you acted.
Health risks and immediate measures
Mold can worsen respiratory problems, allergies or asthma; asbestos fibers are hazardous to health in the long term. If there is an acute health risk, leave the affected rooms and inform a doctor and the landlord. If asbestos is suspected, you must not remove or damage materials yourself, as this promotes the release of dangerous fibers.
Rights, duties and legal steps
Landlords are often obliged to maintain the rental property under tenancy law; specific duties can be found in relevant provisions of tenancy law and the General Civil Code.[1][2] If the landlord does not respond, tenants can set a reasonable deadline, arrange assistance themselves or initiate legal proceedings. For court steps and forms, JustizOnline is available.[3]
- Contact advisory services or a tenant advice center for first information.
- For acute defects: weigh whether a professional repair is necessary and who bears the costs.
- Consider legal action at the district court if no agreement is possible.
Practical communication tips
Phrase defect reports factually: describe the condition, give the date and demand a concrete deadline. Send the report in writing (email or letter) and keep proof of dispatch. If possible, obtain a short written expert assessment, especially when asbestos is suspected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays for repairs for mold?
- Generally, the landlord is responsible for major damages and remedying defects; exceptions may be stipulated in the rental agreement.
- Can I reduce the rent due to uninhabitable rooms?
- A rent reduction may be possible if the housing quality is significantly impaired; exact conditions depend on the case.
- What to do if the landlord does not respond?
- Set a written deadline, contact advisory services and consider legal action at the district court.
How-To
- Document defects with photos, dates and a brief description.
- Report the defect to the landlord in writing and request a reasonable deadline.
- Set a clear deadline and note the start and end of the period.
- In case of health danger inform a doctor and advisory services and avoid the affected rooms.
- If necessary, obtain an expert opinion or measurement.
- If the landlord remains inactive, consider legal steps and use JustizOnline for forms.
Key Takeaways
- Careful documentation strengthens your position with the landlord.
- Never handle suspected asbestos yourself; keep distance and call professionals.
- Deadline setting and written communication are central steps before legal action.
