Tenants: Who Pays for Broken Windows in Austria
If a window pane in your apartment breaks, it is important to know which steps tenants in Austria should take now. Immediately document damage and circumstances with photos and notes, notify the landlord in writing and clarify whether it is an emergency requiring immediate repairs. As a basic rule, landlords are responsible for maintenance and major repairs under the MRG, but tenants may be charged if they acted negligently or intentionally. Check your household or liability insurance and collect quotes and invoices. This guide explains who pays when, which deadlines apply and how to protect yourself legally and practically.
Who pays for a broken window?
As a general rule: landlords are responsible for maintaining the rented property, including repairs and replacement of windows, unless there is tenant culpability or damage caused by the tenant[1]. In cases of normal wear or weather-related breakage, the landlord usually covers the costs.
- Document the damage immediately with date and location and take several photos.
- Inform the landlord in writing and, if necessary, also by phone so that deadlines start running.
- For acute danger (e.g. drafts, risk of collapse) arrange an emergency repair immediately.
- If the tenant is at fault (e.g. gross negligence), the tenant may be liable for the costs.
Practical steps and deadlines
Proceed systematically: secure evidence, notify the landlord, obtain quotes and keep invoices. In emergencies you may commission repairs yourself; however, only claim costs that are necessary and proportionate. If a dispute arises, it can be resolved at the district court[2].
If the landlord does not respond, send a reminder with a reasonable deadline for carrying out the repair. If the landlord still does not act, in some cases you may have repairs carried out and claim the costs back from the landlord. Keep all messages and receipts.
FAQ
- Who pays if a window breaks due to weather or age?
- Usually the landlord; damage from wear or weather is typically the landlord's maintenance responsibility.
- When is the tenant liable for a broken window?
- The tenant is liable if they damaged the pane intentionally or through gross negligence; minor carelessness does not always lead to liability.
- What to do in case of deliberate damage or vandalism?
- Inform the police, notify the landlord and check whether the damage can be claimed through your insurance.
How-To
- Secure evidence: photos, date, witness statements.
- Notify the landlord in writing and request repair within a reasonable deadline.
- In case of danger arrange an emergency repair and keep all invoices.
- Check household and liability insurance and consider legal steps at the district court if there is a dispute[2].
Key Takeaways
- Secure evidence immediately and thoroughly.
- Notify the landlord in writing and set deadlines.
- Check insurance before covering costs yourself.
