Tenants: Housing Quality & Health in Austria

As a tenant in Austria, you rely on a safe and healthy apartment. Problems like mold, dampness or suspected asbestos reduce housing quality and can endanger your health. This guide explains in a clear, practical way what rights and obligations tenants and landlords have, how to reliably document defects and which deadlines apply. You will receive step-by-step advice on reporting defects, limiting damage and submitting tenant letters or evidence. If necessary, the text also shows when court action at a district court is sensible and which official bodies in Austria can support you. The advice is general and helps to resolve disputes with the landlord objectively. Immediate measures against mold are also explained.

Housing Quality and Health

Mold and dampness often arise from structural defects, inadequate heating or ventilation. Suspected asbestos is a particular risk in older buildings; careful action is important here. The legal basis for tenancy relationships and defect claims in Austria can be found, among other places, in the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) ^[1]. If you see acute health risks, act immediately and inform your landlord in writing.

Typical Signs

• Wet spots or dark areas on walls.
• Respiratory problems or unpleasant musty odors.
• Flaking plaster, thermal bridges or damp ceilings.
• Suspected asbestos-containing materials in older fixtures.

Steps to Report Defects

Contact the landlord in writing and precisely: describe the defect, attach photos and set a deadline for remediation. Keep copies of all messages and responses.

What Belongs in a Defect Notice?

• Date of discovery and exact description of the defect.
• Evidence: photos, videos and, if applicable, medical certificates.
• Concrete deadline for remediation (e.g. 14 days) and indication of further steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately if I find mold?

Document the infestation with photos, ventilate and heat appropriately, inform the landlord in writing and request remediation.

Who pays for remediation?

As a rule, the landlord is responsible for structural defects; exceptions apply if the tenant caused the damage.

Can I reduce the rent?

A rent reduction is possible in case of significant impairment of usability; check deadlines and documentation and seek legal advice if necessary.

How-To

1. Document mold and dampness with photos and notes (evidence).
2. Write a defect notice to the landlord and send it by registered mail or e-mail (notice).
3. Set a clear deadline to remedy the defect and note the deadline (within).
4. If health risks occur, document medical findings and inform relevant authorities (safety).
5. If no solution is reached, prepare documents for filing at the district court (court).

Key Takeaways

• Act early and observe deadlines to ensure timely remediation.
• Documentation with photos and written correspondence is crucial for tenants' rights.
• In case of health hazards, quick action and medical confirmation are important.

Help & Support / Resources

• RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
• Justiz.gv.at - Information on courts and procedures
• JustizOnline - Electronic forms and submissions

1. [1] RIS - Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] JustizOnline - Electronic Forms