Who Pays Heating, Water, Electricity? Tenants Austria
Who pays heating, water, electricity?
In general, a distinction is made between consumption costs and system or maintenance costs. Consumption costs are often billed by meter or flat rate, system costs concern the building's equipment or structure. Legal rules are found in the Rental Act and general civil law[1][2].
- Heating (heating): Consumption-based costs are usually paid by the tenant when meters are present.
- Hot water (water): Often consumption-based; central supply can be contractually different.
- Heating system (repair): Major repairs and renewals are generally the landlord's responsibility.
- Pipes and connections (repair): Damage to main pipes is typically a landlord obligation.
- Electricity (electricity): Private household consumption is paid by the tenant; building installations belong to the landlord.
Repairs and maintenance obligations
Rental law distinguishes between minor maintenance, often borne by the tenant, and preservation or renovation measures, which the landlord must pay for. Whether a repair is "minor" depends on cost and cause. Report defects in writing and set a reasonable deadline for remedy.
Billing, evidence and deadlines
Tenants have the right to transparent heating and operating cost statements. Request inspection of invoices and meter readings; note readings at move-in and move-out. Observe deadlines set for remedy or payment and respond within those periods.
What to do in a dispute?
Try to resolve issues directly with the landlord first: written request, deadline and documentation. If unresolved, seek tenant association advice or consider court action at the district court. Collect all receipts and photos as evidence.
FAQ
- Do I as a tenant have to pay for heating?
- If heating is billed by consumption, the tenant covers the costs; the landlord is usually responsible for systems or major repairs.
- Who pays in case of a burst pipe?
- Emergency measures should be taken immediately; cost responsibility depends on cause and liability and may fall to the landlord.
- Can the landlord demand flat operating costs?
- Flat rates are possible but must be contractually agreed and transparent; tenants may request to see receipts.
How-To
- Check the rental contract first for clauses on operating costs and billing.
- Record defects, meter readings and communication chronologically with dates.
- Request invoices and receipts from the landlord and set a deadline for clarification.
- Contact a tenant association or legal advisor if no solution is reached.
Help and Support
- RIS - Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria
- Justiz.gv.at - Information on courts and procedures
