Renting
News and important information about renting a home in Austria.
Can my landlord in Austria increase the rent whenever they want?
Austria has a closely regulated and therefore relatively affordable rental market, but in recent years rents have risen, sometimes sharply. This is partly due to permitted increases in line with inflation, but in some cases landlords bank on people not knowing their rights.
How to check if your rent increase in Vienna is legal
Austria puts a limit on many of the inflation-linked rent increases, but how much your landlord can actually increase your rent will still be governed by your rental agreement and the type of property you occupy. Here's how tenants in Vienna can find out whether an increase is permissible.
Reader question: Do I have to repaint the walls when I leave a rental in Austria?
The short answer is usually no, but this is an issue that frequently comes up for tenants in Austria. We explain the laws and rights that apply.
How much cheaper is social housing than private renting in Austria?
Municipal flats and housing provided by limited-profit associations can save a considerable amount compared with private rentals, according to a new Austrian study. But access depends on where you live and your residence status.
Renting in Austria: How much can the landlord ask for as a deposit?
The rental deposit, or die Kaution, is one of the biggest upfront costs when renting in Austria. Here’s how much landlords usually ask for, when a higher amount may be questionable, and how to protect yourself before moving in.
New lease, new rules: How to extend a fixed-term rental contract in Austria
Renewing your lease in Austria isn’t always simple – from legal time limits to rent hikes, here’s what tenants should know.
What tenants in Austria need to know about getting their rent reduced
From construction noise to broken utilities, various issues can allow tenants in Austria to request a rent reduction. Learn the steps to follow and when legal action might be necessary.
'Haushaltsversicherung': How does Austria's home insurance work?
'Haushaltsversicherung' is one of Austria's most popular types of insurance. It is not mandatory, but it is certainly worth evaluating, especially as it comes with many possible add-ons.
Can my landlord in Austria ask me to leave my apartment so they can use it?
You’ve lived in your rented apartment in Austria for years, but suddenly your landlord says they need it back for personal use. Is this allowed? Here’s what the law says.
'Cosy and charming': The German words Austrian estate agents might use to rip you off
"Mit Charme" (charming) and "Gemütlich" (cosy) might sound appealing, but in Austria’s property market, those German words can mean something else entirely.
Have your say: What is it really like to find a place to rent in Austria?
From paperwork and deposits to competition and language barriers, finding a rental home in Austria can be a challenge. We want to hear from readers about their experiences.
Property: How to find a rental flat when you first move to Austria
Finding an apartment or house in Austria is not easy, especially if you have recently moved to the country. Here's how to get a head start.
Vienna plans 2,600 homes in new U2 district: When can people apply?
Vienna's planned Stadtquartier Eibengasse will eventually bring thousands of new homes to Donaustadt, most of them subsidised. For people hoping to live there, the first registration window may not be far away.
Vienna to require Airbnb hosts to register as part of housing crackdown
People who rent out their Vienna apartment on a short-term basis on platforms like Airbnb will soon have to register – or face fines of up to €50,000.
How Vienna’s new social housing allocation system will work
Vienna is preparing to change how it allocates city-owned and subsidised flats, in a reform that would affect anyone hoping to access more affordable housing in the capital.
Altbau vs Neubau: What’s the difference and which should I rent in Austria?
It's more than just a question of their age and style; the type of building you live in in Austria can affect everything from your heating costs to your rental fee.
EXPLAINED: Which documents do you need to rent a flat in Austria?
It's not easy finding an apartment or house in Austria, but once you do, make sure you have all the proper papers so you don't hamper your chances of getting it.
'Betriebskosten': What are the extra costs renters must pay in Austria?
Renting an apartment in Austria means you’ll have to budget not only for the rent, but other somewhat hidden monthly costs and expenses.
Renting in Austria: Does the landlord have to fix my broken kitchen appliances?
When a dishwasher or oven breaks down in a rented home, many tenants in Austria wonder who should pay for the repairs – especially if the appliance was included with the flat. The answer depends on what kind of property you live in and the type of contract you signed.
Why timing is everything in the ultra-competitive Vienna rental scene
Finding a rental flat in Vienna has become so competitive that estate agents say they are now handling selection processes on behalf of landlords – and when you apply can make a key difference in whether you get an apartment.
Renting in Austria: Who gets the rental deposit back if tenants split up?
In Austria, a deposit dispute can flare up when a couple splits and both are on the lease. Who gets the security deposit back?
Am I allowed to sublet my rental apartment in Austria?
If you are a renter and want to rent out your apartment or get someone to rent a spare room, you need to know the Austrian laws first.
'Health hazard': What to do if you find mould in your Austrian flat
Falling temperatures combined with cold and wet weather across Austria means that your home is at risk of mould and damp. We look at how you should tackle it and approach it with your landlord or property management.