Tenant Rights: Insulation and Windows in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, poor insulation or leaky windows can affect comfort and significantly increase heating costs. This guide explains in plain language how to assert your tenant rights, what obligations landlords have under the Mietrechtsgesetz, and which steps lead to a formal complaint or objection. You will learn how to document damage, meet deadlines, and which authorities or courts are competent. If possible, collect evidence and familiarize yourself with required forms early so you are prepared.

What to do about poor insulation or leaky windows?

First check whether the problems affect the usability of your apartment (e.g., mold, strong drafts, significant heat loss). Note occurrence, date and affected rooms and take photos as evidence. Send a short written defect notice to the landlord with a deadline for remediation.

Contents of a defect notice

• Describe the defect factually with date and location.
• Set a clear deadline for remediation (e.g., 14 days).
• Request written confirmation and document the dispatch.

If the landlord does not respond or defects are not remedied, further steps may be necessary: rent reduction, replacement performance (by the tenant with claim for costs) or legal clarification.

Rights, obligations and possible steps

In many cases landlords are obliged to keep the apartment in a usable condition. Minor repairs may be regulated in the lease; larger defects are usually the landlord's responsibility. Check your lease and seek advice if unsure.

Rent reduction and replacement performance

• You can claim an appropriate rent reduction if usability is restricted.
• If the landlord does not act, replacement performance may be possible under certain conditions.
• As a last resort, clarification before the district court often remains.

FAQ

What deadline should I set for the landlord to remedy the defect?

Set an appropriate deadline, usually 10–30 days depending on urgency; document date and delivery.

Can I reduce the rent myself if windows and insulation are poor?

A rent reduction is possible in case of significant impairment, ideally in writing with justification and evidence.

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

You can seek legal help, consider filing a complaint with the district court or obtain advice from tenant organizations.

How-To

1. Document defects with photos, measurements and dates.
2. Send a written defect notice to the landlord and request a deadline for remediation.
3. Obtain external advice (e.g., tenant association) and clarify legal options.
4. If necessary, prepare documents for legal clarification and file a claim at the district court.

Key Points

• Keep all communications and receipts organized and stored safely.
• Respond within stated deadlines to avoid losing rights.

Help and Support

• [1] RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes
• [2] Justiz.gv.at - Official Information
• [3] JustizOnline - Forms and Services

1. [1] RIS - Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes
2. [2] Justiz.gv.at - Official Information
3. [3] JustizOnline - Forms and Services