Tenancy & Housing Law
Tenancy & Housing Law: Your Home, Your Rights
Whether tenant or landlord – Austrian tenancy law is complex. I ensure that you know and can enforce your rights.
An apartment is more than four walls. It's your home, your security, your retreat. That's why it's so important that you know your rights when conflicts arise. As an attorney for tenancy and housing law in Vienna, I advise both tenants and landlords.
Austrian Tenancy Law: An Overview
Tenancy law in Austria is one of the most complex areas of law. Depending on when a building was constructed and how many apartments it contains, different rules apply.
Rent Review
Are you paying too much rent? In many older apartments, statutory rent caps apply. I check whether your rent is appropriate.
Rent Reduction
Mold, defective heating, noise from construction: if the apartment has defects, you can reduce the rent.
Termination Protection
Your landlord wants to terminate your lease? That's not so easy in Austria. I check whether the termination is lawful.
Eviction Proceedings
The tenant doesn't pay or doesn't comply with the contract? I guide you through the eviction process.
My Services for Tenants and Landlords
I represent both sides and therefore know the perspectives of both parties:
- Lease drafting and review
- Rent reduction and rent review
- Termination protection and eviction proceedings
- Review of operating cost statements
- Condominium ownership (WEG)
- Recovery of security deposits
Typical Cases from My Practice
Excessive Rent
A client was paying significantly more than the statutory reference rent for her older apartment. I recovered the difference for the last three years.
Unjustified Termination
A landlord wanted to terminate a long-term tenant. I successfully challenged the termination.
Eviction for Non-Payment
A landlord had a tenant who hadn't paid rent for months. I recovered the apartment within three months.
Why Me?
Tenancy law is my specialty. I know the case law, the conciliation boards, and the tricks that some landlords or tenants use. Whether you're a tenant defending against injustice or a landlord enforcing your rights: I'm on your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on whether your apartment is subject to the Tenancy Act and what category it falls into. Bring your lease, and I'll tell you whether a review makes sense.
In most cases, no. Austrian tenancy law provides strong termination protection. Termination is only possible for specific reasons.
Document the defects and request the landlord to remedy them. If nothing happens, you can reduce the rent or sue for remedy.
Excess rent paid can be reclaimed for the last three years. So don't act too late.