Tenants in Austria: Heating, Water, Electricity — Dispute

As a tenant in Austria you may wonder who must pay for heating, water or electricity and how to file a dispute or complaint when charges are unclear or incorrectly allocated. This article clearly explains which costs landlords typically cover, which costs tenants usually bear and which steps make sense for questionable bills or sudden demands. You will receive practical advice on deadlines, securing evidence and correct written communication so you can protect your rights without wasting unnecessary time or money.

Who pays what? Basics

In principle, the person who is contractually or legally obliged bears the costs. Heating and operating costs can be regulated in the rental agreement as operating costs; major repairs to heating and electrical systems are usually the landlord's responsibility under the Mietrechtsgesetz ^[1]. If in doubt, first check the rental agreement and the documents.

Typical division

• Heating costs: often charged as operating costs (rent).
• Water and sewage costs: often by consumption or flat rate (rent).
• Repairs to heating or electrical systems: often landlord responsibility (repair).
• Small repairs: may be contractually assigned to the tenant (evidence).

If you disagree: dispute and complaint

For questionable bills you should lodge a written objection and attach all relevant documents. Specify precisely which items you dispute and set a reasonable deadline for clarification or correction. If the landlord does not respond, a formal complaint can be filed with the district court or legal advice can be sought ^[2].

What the written complaint should contain

• Date and rental contract data with a clear description of the disputed items (notice).
• Receipts, photos and meter readings as proof (evidence).
• Deadline for a response or correction, e.g. "14 days" (deadline).
• Contact information and willingness for a clarifying conversation (contact).

What to do in case of supply interruption or defect?

If heating, hot water or electricity fail or do not function properly, report the defect to the landlord immediately in writing and demand prompt restoration. Document the time, duration and consequences of the outage; in case of health or safety risks you can arrange short-term replacement measures and claim the costs if the landlord does not act in time ^[1].

FAQ

Who pays for annual heating maintenance?

As a rule, the landlord bears the costs for major maintenance and inspection work; individual minor maintenance tasks can be specified in the rental agreement.

Can the landlord suddenly send me large back payments?

Yes, back payments are possible, but they must be plausibly justified and documented; you can file an objection and set a review deadline.

Where can I turn if the landlord does not respond?

If the landlord does not respond, you can file a complaint with the district court or seek legal advice ^[2].

How-To

1. Check the rental agreement and collect all relevant documents and meter readings (tip).
2. Send a formal defect notice or objection by letter or email and set a deadline (notice).
3. Secure photos, messages and invoices as evidence (evidence).
4. Contact the landlord; document appointments and outcomes (contact).
5. If the landlord does not respond, inform the district court or obtain legal advice (court).
6. If necessary, submit formal documents via JustizOnline or request judicial clarification ^[3] (notice).

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] RIS: Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
• [2] Justice: Information on courts and procedures
• [3] JustizOnline: Forms and submissions

1. [1] RIS: Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG)
2. [2] Justiz: Informationen zu Gericht und Verfahren
3. [3] JustizOnline: Formulare und Einreichungen