Tenant Rights: Reporting Discrimination in Austria
Discrimination during the housing search affects tenants in Austria and can prevent people from finding a suitable home. This article explains in clear terms what rights tenants have, how to document incidents, what costs may arise from making a report, and which authorities or organizations can help. We provide concrete steps for gathering evidence, filing a complaint, and possible legal routes so you know when advice or court assistance is appropriate. This page also includes notes on deadlines, possible cost coverage, and tips for securing evidence.
What to do if you face discrimination?
If you are disadvantaged, record facts objectively and gather evidence. Note date, time, conversation details and involved persons. In Austria, the Tenancy Act and related provisions protect tenants [1].
- Collect evidence such as photos, messages, listings, and written notes.
- Record witness contacts and seek written confirmations when possible.
- Request written rejections or reasons if you are refused a flat.
- Keep all documents organized and stored safely so you can access them later.
Detailed documentation strengthens your position when filing complaints.
Who pays the costs?
Short answer: there is no automatic cost coverage. Many steps are low-cost or free (documentation, advice from tenant associations), but attorney fees or court proceedings can incur charges. In some cases legal aid or advisory funding may help; check eligibility in advance [2].
- Personal costs: copy, postage, or initial legal consultations are usually paid by the complainant.
- Court costs: filing claims can produce fees and expenses that may be allocated depending on the outcome.
- Support schemes: legal aid or advisory grants can cover part of the expenses.
FAQ
- Can I report discrimination anonymously?
- Yes, many advisory services accept anonymous reports, but concrete details and evidence are usually required for legal steps.
- Do I have to pay for a lawyer or proceedings as a tenant?
- Generally yes, unless you receive legal aid or a court orders the other party to pay costs.
- How quickly must I act?
- Document incidents immediately. Legal actions are subject to deadlines; act promptly and seek advice.
How-To
- Gather and organize all relevant evidence with exact timestamps.
- Contact the authority, an advisory service, or the landlord in writing and request a response.
- Seek guidance from tenant associations or legal support to assess costs and chances of success.
- If necessary, file a claim at the competent district court or use alternative complaint channels.
Help and Support
- RIS – Legal Information System of the Federal Government
- Justice – Information and advisory services
- JustizOnline – Forms and e‑Services
