Tenants: Who Pays Heating, Water, Electricity in Austria
As a tenant in Austria, it is important to know who is responsible for ongoing energy costs and the related documents. Many questions revolve around heating, hot water and electricity: what counts as operating costs, which invoices and meter readings you should keep, and when the landlord is liable for repairs or replacements. This article practically explains your rights and obligations under tenancy law (MRG) and shows which documents to collect, how to check claims and which steps make sense when there is a dispute about costs or maintenance. The tips help you respond better prepared and to submit the necessary receipts correctly. If uncertain, seek advice in time.
Legal framework
In Austria the Tenancy Act (Mietrechtsgesetz) regulates basic duties of tenants and landlords, especially regarding maintenance and repair (MRG §3)[1]. Operating costs can be transferred to tenants by contract, while major maintenance work usually remains the landlord's responsibility. Read your lease carefully and watch for terms like "operating costs" or "maintenance expense".
Who pays what?
- Heating: With central heating, heating costs are often part of operating costs; billing is done according to the contract, consumption or floor area (payment).
- Hot water: Hot water costs are often billed as part of heating or operating costs; check the statement (payment).
- Electricity: With a separate electricity contract, the tenant pays directly; for shared supply, the lease terms apply (payment).
- Minor repairs: Minor repairs can be assigned to the tenant in the lease; major repairs are typically the landlord's responsibility (repair).
- Replacement of major systems: Replacing or renewing central heating systems is usually borne by the landlord, not the tenant (repair).
Keep all heating and electricity invoices as long as related statements remain unsettled.
Documents and evidence
Which documents help you check claims or provide proof? Regularly collect meter readings, invoices and receipts, and note dates and written communications.
- Meter readings: Record date and reading when you move in and regularly thereafter (evidence).
- Invoices and payment receipts: Keep invoices, transfer receipts and bank statements (evidence).
- Operating cost statements: Compare with previous years and check items and allocation keys (evidence).
- Correspondence: Document all requests, defect reports and landlord responses (evidence).
Respond to reminders and meet deadlines to avoid later disadvantages.
Repairs and maintenance
When defects occur, the key question is whether it is a minor repair or a significant maintenance expense. The lease often defines the threshold. Document defects immediately in writing and request timely remediation.
- Reporting obligation: Report damage immediately in writing and demand a repair deadline (repair).
- Formal notice: Send defect notices by email or registered mail and keep copies (notice).
- Urgent cases: For acute hazards (e.g. gas, heating failure in winter) contact the landlord or emergency services immediately (call).
Detailed documentation increases your chances of recovering justified costs.
FAQ
- Who pays the heating?
- Heating costs are often billed as operating costs; the specific arrangement is set out in the lease and the statement.
- Which documents should I keep?
- Record meter readings, keep invoices, payment receipts and correspondence with the landlord.
- What to do if the landlord does not repair?
- Send a written reminder, set a reasonable deadline and consider district court action if necessary.
How-To
- Collect documents: Gather meter readings, invoices and payment receipts (evidence).
- Contact the landlord: Contact the landlord in writing and request remediation or clarification (call).
- Set a deadline: Set a clear deadline in the defect notice and refer to contractual or legal duties (notice).
- If no response: Consider filing at the district court or seeking legal advice (court).
Key takeaways
- Check whether energy costs are listed as operating costs in your lease.
- Keep complete meter readings and receipts.
- Report defects immediately in writing and set deadlines.
Help and Support
- RIS - Legal Information System of the Federal Government
- Justice - Information on courts and procedures
- JustizOnline - Forms and submissions
