Tenants: Fight Incorrect Utility Bills in Austria
What to do with an incorrect bill?
Check the bill item by item: do the listed costs match your payments, are allocation keys and periods comprehensible, and were agreed advance payments correctly taken into account? Pay special attention to items that are not in the lease or have been charged twice. If in doubt, request copies of receipts and invoices from the landlord in writing[1].
Documentation and deadlines
Gather all invoices, bank statements and correspondence as evidence. Also check whether the bill formally meets requirements: receipts must be inspectable and billing periods must be clearly named. Respond within the legal or contractually agreed deadline, otherwise claims may lapse.
Practical steps
- Request inspection of receipts and invoices in writing.
- Compare items with the lease and your payments.
- Note discrepancies and calculate the correct amount.
- Send a formal objection by registered mail or another provable method.
If the landlord does not respond or the answer is unsatisfactory, you can consider legal action. A complaint to a mediation service or a lawsuit at the district court is possible; for formal procedures you can use JustizOnline forms if needed[2].
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which costs are allowed in a utility bill?
- Allocable operating costs are regulated in the lease or by law; unusual or one-off costs should be explained separately.
- How long do I have to respond to a bill?
- Deadlines can be contractually agreed; in general: respond promptly and in writing to protect your rights.
- What if the landlord does not provide receipts?
- You can demand inspection and, if refused, consider legal steps or request court-ordered inspection.
How-To
- Review: Check the bill, lease and payment records.
- Document: Collect receipts, photos and emails as evidence.
- Object: Draft a written objection with reasons and a deadline.
- Mediate: Involve a mediator or tenant advice center.
- Litigate: If necessary, file a claim at the district court.
Help and Support
- Legal texts and foundations (RIS)
- JustizOnline: Forms and electronic submissions
- Supreme Court: Tenancy case law (OGH)
