Tenant Rights: Utility Charge Deadlines in Austria

What applies to deadlines for utility charge statements?

As a tenant in Austria, it is important to take deadlines for utility charge statements seriously. The Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) and court rules set out when claims should be asserted or contested^[1]. If you wait too long, you risk that claims will be deemed valid or that your own objections can no longer be enforced. Check the delivery, the date on the statement and note deadlines immediately so you can react in time.

How do you check a faulty statement?

Check every item of the statement carefully: are the numbers correct, have payments been taken into account, and are allocation keys comprehensible?

• Deadline (deadline): check the delivery date and note the time limit for objection.
• Collect evidence (evidence): gather invoices, receipts and bank statements as proof.
• Check payments (payment): compare advance payments with the actual charges.
• Use a form (form): submit your objection in writing and with clear reasons.

What if the landlord does not respond?

If the landlord does not respond to your objections or makes further claims, you should follow up in writing and set deadlines. If disagreement persists, the next step is usually applying to the competent conciliation board or filing a lawsuit at the district court; for this you need documents and a clear timeline of communications with the landlord^[2].

When is legal help advisable?

Legal help is advisable when it concerns larger amounts, repeated incorrect statements or complicated allocation keys. Lawyers or tenant associations can check whether a lawsuit has prospects of success or whether a conciliation proceeding is sensible. For court actions you need evidence and a comprehensible chronology of communication with the landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file an objection to a utility charge statement?

In practice, tenants should react within a few weeks and file an objection at the latest within 30 days of delivery to secure their position.

Do I have to submit evidence immediately?

You should collect and keep evidence; if necessary you can submit copies to the landlord or present them in proceedings.

Where can I turn if I need help?

You can contact tenant associations, regional conciliation boards or the district court; for court forms JustizOnline is a central contact point^[3].

How-To

1. Check the deadline (deadline): note the delivery date and start calculating the time limit.
2. Collect evidence (evidence): organise all invoices, receipts and bank statements.
3. File an objection in writing (form): submit a written and reasoned objection to the landlord.
4. Seek contact (help): contact a tenant association or legal advice if unsure.
5. Consider the court route (court): if no agreement is reached, contact the conciliation board or district court.

Help and Support / Resources

• Forms (form) and laws: RIS – legal texts and the MRG.
• Court information: Justiz.gv.at for procedural guidance.
• Court filings: JustizOnline (e‑forms and submissions).

1. [1] RIS – Legal Information System of the Republic
2. [2] Justiz.gv.at – Information on courts and procedures
3. [3] JustizOnline – Electronic forms and submissions