Tenancy Law for Landlords in Austria: The Key Obligations and Common Mistakes
Scope of application, rent caps, fixed terms under the rules from 2026, indexation under the MieWeG, deposit, operating costs and maintenance at a glance.
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Rights and obligations as a tenant: use, landlord access, damage and destruction
When the landlord may enter the flat, what you must maintain yourself, what you are liable for in the event of damage and what applies if the flat is uninhabitable after a fire or water damage.
Housing allowance and housing promotion: What support you can get as a tenant
Housing allowance is regulated by each federal state. Which requirements are typical, what the regulation in Vienna looks like and where to submit the application.
Cooperative flat: how the rent is set under the WGG and when you can buy the flat
Non-profit building associations charge a cost-covering fee. When you are entitled to buy your flat and which deadlines apply afterwards.
Furnished rental: How much furniture rent may be charged in Austria
For furniture provided with a tenancy, only a reasonable charge may be demanded in the full application scope of the MRG. This is how to assess the amount and have it reviewed.
Renovating a rented flat: what you may change and what compensation you get when moving out
You must notify substantial alterations; the landlord has two months. On moving out there is proportional compensation for certain investments, but only with timely notification.
Mould in the rented flat: establish the cause, inform the landlord, use your rights
Construction defect or occupant behaviour? Who must remove mould, how to secure evidence and what rights you have against the landlord.
Rent reduction (Mietzinsminderung): when you may pay less rent and how to proceed safely
Defect in the flat? When you are entitled to a rent reduction under § 1096 ABGB, how high it can be and why you are better off paying under reservation.
Boiler broken: What you can do now as a tenant
In many rental apartments the landlord has been responsible for keeping the rented boiler in working order since 2015. What you should do immediately and what rights you have.
Who has to repair in the rented flat? Maintenance duties of landlord and tenant
What the landlord must maintain, what you yourself must service, why you should report damage immediately and what helps if nothing happens.
Rental flat on separation: Who may stay and who must keep paying?
Who is named on the tenancy agreement decides a lot: what applies in cohabitation and marriage and how to get out of the tenancy agreement safely.
Taking over a tenancy: when relatives may enter your rented flat
Moving out or death: who can take over the tenancy under §§ 12 and 14 MRG, which deadlines apply and when the rent may increase.