Tenant Rights: Who Pays for Adjustments in Austria

As a tenant in Austria you may wonder who pays for reasonable adjustments in the apartment, such as handrails, barrier-free showers or door widenings. This guide explains in clear language your rights and obligations toward the landlord, when government grants or subsidies may be available, and how to initiate necessary repairs and conversion measures safely and legally. I describe step by step which evidence is helpful, how to submit applications and which deadlines must be observed. The goal is to give you practical actions so adjustments become possible without unnecessary costs or legal risks for tenants. I also name contact points in Austria and explain how to use documentation and free advisory services.

What are reasonable adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments are structural or technical changes that make an apartment suitable for use by a person with a disability or special needs. Typical examples include handrails, barrier-free showers, ramps or door widenings. Not every improvement is a reasonable adjustment; the purpose and necessity for using the apartment are decisive.

Who pays? Overview

There is no blanket answer: the landlord is usually responsible if the adjustment secures the use of the apartment. In other cases tenants, funding bodies or third parties (e.g. social services) may bear the costs. The type of measure, contract provisions and relevant tenancy law rules are important.

• The landlord generally covers costs when the measure is necessary to maintain the apartment's usability (rent).
• Some adjustments require written consent or an informal application to the landlord (form).
• By mutual agreement, cost-sharing between parties can be arranged (payment).
• In certain cases there are grants or subsidies at regional or federal level (support).

When must the landlord pay?

The landlord usually must pay when the adjustment is necessary to keep the apartment usable under the contract or when legal rules require it. The circumstances of each case and any contract terms or provisions of tenancy law are decisive ^[1].

1. Check deadlines and response times, for example for tenant requests (time).
2. Collect evidence such as photos, medical reports or expert opinions proving the need (evidence).
3. Submit a written application to the landlord and request a written reply (form).
4. If no agreement is reached, court proceedings may follow; the district court is often competent (court).

Government grants and subsidies

There are subsidies or grant programmes at federal or regional level for certain adjustments. Eligibility, amounts and application procedures differ by programme. Check early, before work begins.

• Find out which forms and evidence are required before commissioning work (form).
• Some grants cover only part of the costs; check possible co-payments (payment).
• Use advisory centres and social counselling for concrete guidance on subsidies (support).

How to document and submit applications

Good documentation increases the chance of cost coverage: date-stamped photos, before-and-after images, written cost estimates and medical certificates are important. Submit applications and responses in writing and keep copies. For court steps complete documentation is often decisive; in some cases filing via JustizOnline is possible ^[2].

• Take photos and gather written medical statements and store them chronologically (evidence).
• Keep cost estimates and invoices for comparison and proof (payment).
• Document your application and any agreements in writing (form).
• Note response deadlines of the landlord and record all dates (time).

FAQ

Who decides whether an adjustment is "reasonable"?

This is decided on a case-by-case basis depending on necessity, scope of the measure and contractual agreements. A court may decide in case of dispute.

Can the landlord refuse consent?

Yes, the landlord can refuse if the measure is unreasonable or endangers the building's substance; the reasons must be factual.

Are there government subsidies in Austria?

Yes, there are federal and regional grants; eligibility and amounts vary by programme.

How-To

1. Contact the landlord in writing first and explain the necessity of the adjustment (support).
2. Collect evidence: photos, medical certificates and cost estimates (evidence).
3. Submit a formal application with all evidence and request a written reply (form).
4. Observe legal and contractual deadlines and document all replies (time).
5. If no agreement is reached, consider legal action and possible support from advisory centres (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] MRG und Gesetzestexte - RIS
• [2] Informationen zu Gerichten und Verfahren - Justiz
• [3] Elektronische Einreichungen (JustizOnline)

1. [1] Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) - RIS
2. [2] JustizOnline - elektronische Einreichungen