Tenant Rights: Renewal & Termination in Austria
Many tenants in Austria face uncertainty when a lease is renewed or terminated. This article explains in plain language what rights and obligations tenants have, how to observe deadlines, which maintenance and repair duties landlords have under MRG §3, and what steps to take if problems arise. I describe how to document defects, set deadlines, review legal options and which official bodies and forms may be relevant. The goal is to give you clear actions so you can protect your rights as a tenant and avoid costly mistakes. If necessary, you will learn when a district court or JustizOnline/forms should be involved.
Rights and Obligations on Renewal or Termination
When a tenancy is renewed or terminated, tenants in Austria have certain protections: notice periods must be observed, and landlords must repair defects to keep the dwelling habitable. Specific rules on preservation of the rented property and repair obligations are found in the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG).[1]
In most regions, tenants are entitled to basic habitability standards.
Maintenance & Repair Obligations (MRG §3)
The MRG requires landlords to maintain the rented property; minor repairs can be contractually regulated differently. As a tenant you should report defects immediately, set deadlines and collect evidence so you can enforce your rights.[1]
- Set a deadline and track timelines (deadline)
- Keep photos and documents as evidence (document)
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord (notice)
- Collect cost estimates and repair needs (repair)
Keep all letters and receipts organized and stored safely.
Practical Steps Before Expiration or After Termination
Act methodically: check deadlines, notify the landlord in writing, document defects and consider legal action if the landlord does not respond.
- Check notice periods and contract clauses (deadline)
- Send a formal defect notice and set a reasonable deadline (notice)
- Document defects and collect evidence (document)
- If no agreement is possible, consider filing in district court (court)
- Plan the move-out and record the handover of keys (move-out)
Respond within set deadlines, otherwise you may lose rights.
FAQ
- Can the landlord refuse my renewal?
- In certain circumstances yes; unlawful refusals can be challenged and reviewed by a court.
- Who pays for repairs?
- Minor repairs can be the tenant's responsibility under the contract; major maintenance is usually the landlord's duty under MRG §3.[1]
- What if I receive no response within the deadline?
- Document your request, send a written reminder and consider legal action if necessary.[2]
How-To
- Check the deadline and make notes (deadline)
- Send a written defect notice (notice)
- Collect photo evidence and documents (document)
- Consider filing with the district court in case of dispute (court)
- Record the handover during move-out (move-out)
