Tenants in Austria: Who Pays Heat/Water/Electric?
What to do for heating, water or electricity?
As a tenant affected by failure or deficiency in heating, hot water or electricity, act safely and pragmatically first. Check briefly whether the cause lies with fuses, meters or an individual installation, and inform the landlord in writing. Many obligations for maintenance and supply are regulated by tenancy law; in case of doubt statutory provisions and deadlines apply.
Who pays when?
General rule: costs for necessary repairs and ensuring basic supply are generally borne by the landlord, unless the damage was caused by the tenant. Small repairs or costs for special devices may be specified in the lease. Check the contract and document defects promptly.
- Landlord obligation: maintenance of the heating system, pipes and central supply.
- Tenant obligation: payment of ongoing energy costs if contractually agreed.
- Small repairs: often regulated in the contract; check cost limits.
- Report emergencies: send written notice to the landlord and set a deadline for remedy.
What to do for immediate supply failures?
For acute failures (no heating in winter, no hot water, prolonged power outages in the apartment) these are often emergencies that require quick action. Inform the landlord by phone and additionally in writing so that a deadline and proof exist. In life-threatening cases or danger to housing safety call the appropriate emergency services.
- In emergencies: report immediately and set a deadline (e.g. 24–48 hours for heating failure).
- Send written defect notice by email or registered mail and document receipt.
- Collect evidence: photos, videos, witnesses, reading protocols.
If the landlord does not respond
If the landlord does not respond, after the deadline you may arrange repairs yourself and possibly reclaim costs or assert a rent reduction. For larger measures seek legal advice or involve the district court.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays to repair a broken heating system?
- Usually the landlord, unless the damage was caused by the tenant; check the lease and legal rules.[1]
- Can I reduce the rent if there is no heating?
- Yes, a rent reduction is possible for substantial impairment, but the amount depends on the specific case and should be documented.
- Who do I contact if the landlord does not react?
- Try a written reminder with a deadline; next you can prepare legal steps or contact the district court.[2]
How-To
- Check the cause first: fuses, meter readings and whether neighbours are affected.
- Inform the landlord immediately by phone and send a written defect notice.
- Secure evidence: photos, timestamps, witnesses and documents.
- Set a reasonable deadline for remedy (e.g. 48 hours for heating failure) and announce possible steps.
- If there is no response, consider rent reduction, cost advance or legal action at the district court.[2]
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] RIS - Legal Information System of the Federal Government
- [2] Justice - Information on Courts
- [3] JustizOnline - Forms and Electronic Procedures
