Subtenancy and subletting: rights, limits and risks for both sides
When a ban on subletting applies, how high the sublease rent may be, what risk of termination main tenants bear and what rights subtenants have.
Knowledge & practice
Practical articles for Austria and Germany – from property marketing and social media to everyday office life. Every article is reviewed editorially.
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Initial costs of a rented flat: what expenses you need to expect and what is legally limited
Deposit, first rent, commission, transfer payment (Ablöse) and contract costs: which initial costs are legally limited and how to plan your budget for moving in.
Compensation payments (Ablöse) and rent advance payments: What is permitted and what you can claim back
When a compensation payment (Ablöse) for a kitchen, furniture or investments is permissible, how to recognise a genuine rent advance payment and how long you can claim it back.
Security deposit for the rented flat: amount, secure investment and repayment after moving out
How high a deposit may be, how the landlord must invest it securely and how you get it back after moving out together with interest.
Signed rental offer: Are you bound and when can you withdraw under § 30a KSchG?
A rental offer is not a reservation. How long you are bound and when you can withdraw within one week under § 30a KSchG.
Unlawful clauses in the tenancy agreement: how to recognise ineffective provisions
Prohibited payments under § 27 MRG, non-binding clauses under § 6 KSchG and the obligation to repaint on vacating: how to recognise what does not apply in the tenancy agreement.
The tenancy agreement in Austria: what should be included, which form applies and what it costs
What should be in a tenancy agreement, when a fixed term must be in writing, why residential tenancy agreements are fee-free and why you need an handover protocol.
Unlawful broker's commission: when you can reclaim it and how to recognise dubious brokers
Own-account transaction (Eigengeschäft), undisclosed close relationship or excessive invoice: when a broker's commission is unlawful, how to reclaim it and what warning signs there are.
Estate agent commission for rental apartments: when you still have to pay since the bestellerprinzip
Since 1 July 2023 the landlord usually pays the estate agent's commission. When you still pay, which maximum amounts apply and how to calculate the gross monthly rent correctly.
Understanding your heating cost statement: how the Heating Costs Act (Heizkostengesetz) and district heating billing work
How the Heizkostengesetz divides heating and hot water costs by consumption and floor area, which deadlines apply and how district heating billing works, using Vienna as an example.
Checking the service‑charge statement: how to check it and reclaim overpayments
Statement by 30 June, receipt inspection, checking steps and the route to the conciliation body: how to check your service-charge statement and reclaim overpayments in time.
Operating costs in a rented flat: which costs the landlord may charge you
Which operating costs (Betriebskosten) the landlord may charge depends on tenancy law. Catalogue under §§ 21–24 MRG, allocation by usable floor area, flat-rate instalments and rules for freely agreed costs.