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Home safety (fire, CO, gas) 4 min read · published June 20, 2026
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can occur in Austrian rental homes because of defective gas boilers, stoves or flues. Escaping gas can also cause fires, explosions and health damage. Tenants should know the warning signs, never repair equipment themselves and report problems to the landlord or property manager immediately. In an emergency, leave the home, warn other people and call emergency services from outside. This guide explains how Austrian tenants should act safely, which maintenance and repair issues matter and how to document observations without putting themselves at risk.[1]

Hazards from carbon monoxide and gas

CO occurs when gas, wood or other fuels do not burn completely. A blocked or leaking flue can cause the gas to collect inside the home. A smell of gas, by contrast, often indicates escaping natural gas. Both situations require quick action.

  • Warning signs of CO poisoning can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, confusion and shortness of breath.
  • A smell of gas, unusual flames, soot or a pilot light that repeatedly goes out can indicate a safety problem.
  • If there are symptoms or immediate danger, all people and animals must leave the home and call for help.
If you smell gas, do not operate light switches, ring doorbells or use a telephone inside the home.

What tenants should do immediately

If you smell gas or suspect CO, carefully open windows and doors only if this can be done without risk. Turn off an accessible gas valve only if doing so does not endanger you. Then leave the building and contact the fire service or emergency medical services from a safe location.

  • Leave the home and help children, older people or people with disabilities.
  • In an emergency, call for help and state whether there is a smell of gas or possible CO symptoms.
  • Do not re-enter until emergency personnel or a specialist company has cleared the home.
Never put yourself at risk to switch off equipment or retrieve belongings from the home.

Maintenance, repairs and responsibilities

Gas appliances, flues and ventilation openings must work safely. The person responsible for maintenance, the boiler or chimney-sweeping work depends on the rental agreement, the appliance and statutory rules. Tenants should not remove parts, block flues or carry out repairs themselves.

Report defects to the landlord or property manager as soon as possible and in a way that can be proven. Describe the appliance, room, observation and time. Request an expert inspection and keep your message. In serious danger, safety must not depend on a later dispute about costs.

  • Write a clear defect report and request a prompt inspection.
  • Have maintenance and repairs carried out only by qualified specialists.
  • Document messages, appointments, photographs of visible defects and received invoices.

CO detectors and proper ventilation

A CO detector can provide additional protection, but it does not replace maintenance or a functioning flue. Use a suitable, tested device and follow the manufacturer’s installation and testing instructions. Smoke detectors do not automatically detect CO.

Keep necessary ventilation openings clear and do not use exhaust appliances or extractor hoods in a way that draws exhaust gases back into the room. Ventilate regularly, but if you smell gas or feel unwell, do not rely on ventilation; leave immediately.

Documentation and legal steps

If the landlord does not respond, send the defect report again in writing and set a reasonable deadline for inspection, provided there is no immediate danger. In an emergency, first contact emergency services and a specialist company. Obtain advice before reducing rent, arranging an unauthorised repair or ending the tenancy, because the legal consequences depend on the circumstances.

  • Keep a log with the date, time, symptoms, smell, appliance display and all contacts.
  • Keep the rental agreement, maintenance records, reports and replies together.
  • In a dispute, you can find information about the competent district court and possible tenancy advice.[2]

FAQ

What should I do if I smell gas in my rental home?
Leave the home, avoid sparks and switches, warn others and call emergency services or the responsible emergency service from outside.
Who must repair a dangerous gas boiler?
This depends on the rental agreement, statutory responsibility and the cause. Report the defect immediately to the landlord or property manager and do not independently commission a chargeable repair unless it is necessary to prevent immediate danger.
Does a CO detector prevent poisoning?
A suitable CO detector can provide an early warning, but it does not replace maintenance, sufficient ventilation or an expert inspection of the system.
Can I request a rent reduction because of a safety defect?
A reduction may depend on the impairment and the circumstances. Obtain advice before reducing rent and document the defect and the report to the landlord.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Recognize the danger and stop any risky action if you smell gas or notice possible CO symptoms.
  2. Leave the home and take all people and animals to a safe place.
  3. Call emergency services or a suitable emergency service from outside.
  4. Report the defect to the landlord or property manager in writing as soon as it is safe to do so.
  5. Keep emergency reports, specialist reports and all your communications.

Help and sources

  1. [1] Federal Legal Information System: Austrian legislation
  2. [2] Austrian Justice: courts and jurisdiction

Categories

Tenant rights & basic protections (MRG) Lease types (fixed/indefinite, main/sublet) Deposit & blocked account Rent & increases (reference rent, categories, form) Service charges & settlements Maintenance & repair duties (MRG §3) Renovations, upgrades & compensation Tenant termination (notice, handover) Landlord termination, protection & eviction Check-in/out (inspection, keys, meters) House rules, quiet hours, neighbours & pets Privacy & access (viewings, locks) Discrimination & equal treatment Accessibility & reasonable adjustments Municipal & cooperative housing Housing allowance & benefits Dispute resolution (incl. rent reduction) Registration & authorities Insurance & tenant liability Energy, heating & hot water Dwelling quality & health Subletting, flat-sharing & co-tenancy Student housing Data protection & screening (FADP/GDPR) Short-term/holiday letting (Airbnb) Templates & model letters Home safety (fire, CO, gas)

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