My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?

Direct answer

The landlord must keep the home in usable condition: heating, water, electricity, a roof that does not leak. Write a dated repair request with a deadline (two weeks is normal, 24 hours for no heating in winter) — the letter is what every next step is built on. Then Schlichtungsstelle der Gemeinde (Wohnrecht) (wien.gv.at) is the body for tenancy disputes in Austria, cheap or free and without a lawyer. Mietervereinigung Österreich (050 195 3000) advises on rent reduction and repair-and-deduct. For dangers to health — no heating, no water, electrical hazards — Bezirkshauptmannschaft — Gesundheits- und Umweltamt (oesterreich.gv.at) can inspect and order the landlord to act.

Call firstSchlichtungsstelle der Gemeinde (Wohnrecht)

Report toMietervereinigung Österreich

If that failsBezirkshauptmannschaft — Gesundheits- und Umweltamt

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] the [heating / boiler / roof / …] at [address] is [defect]. I asked you on [date] with no result. Please repair it by [deadline]. If not, I will reduce the rent proportionally from [date] and refer the matter to Schlichtungsstelle der Gemeinde (Wohnrecht)."

🪜 Step by step

Write, dated, with photosEmail or letter with the defect, the date it started, photos and a deadline. Keep proof of sending.
Know the remediesRent reduction from the day of the report in most countries; repair yourself and deduct after a written warning; the tenancy board for anything bigger.
Health or safety at risk? Bezirkshauptmannschaft — Gesundheits- und UmweltamtThe municipal inspection can order works and fine a landlord who leaves a home unfit.
Go to Schlichtungsstelle der Gemeinde (Wohnrecht)Free or low-fee, no lawyer. Bring the letters and photos. Decisions bind the landlord.
Do not stop paying rent outrightReduce proportionally and say why in writing; a full stop can become grounds for eviction.

📇 All contacts

Schlichtungsstelle der Gemeinde (Wohnrecht)Free procedure for deposit and rent disputes, where establishedMandatory before court in Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg and others🔗 www.wien.gv.at/wohnen/schlichtungsstelle

Mietervereinigung ÖsterreichAdvice and representation for membersBefore the first letter to the landlord📞 050 195 3000 🔗 mietervereinigung.at

Bezirkshauptmannschaft — Gesundheits- und UmweltamtEnvironmental health: housing hygiene, pests, noise, pollutionWhen health is at risk at home or nearby🔗 www.oesterreich.gv.at

Gemeindeamt / Magistrat — BürgerserviceMunicipal office: registration, order, noise, waste, lost propertyFor anything the municipality regulates🔗 www.oesterreich.gv.at

Bezirksgericht — Amtstag / VerfahrenshilfeFree legal information on court open days, legal aidWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.justiz.gv.at/service/verfahrenshilfe

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fix it and deduct the cost?

In most countries yes, after a written notice with a reasonable deadline, for necessary repairs, at a reasonable price. Keep the invoices. Check with Mietervereinigung Österreich first for your country's rule.

How much rent reduction?

Proportional to the loss of use: a broken boiler in winter can justify 20–50 %, a dripping tap almost nothing. Mietervereinigung Österreich has tables from past decisions.

The landlord threatens to evict me for complaining

Retaliatory eviction is not a valid ground anywhere in the EU. Keep everything in writing and tell Mietervereinigung Österreich.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“landlord refuses repairs Austria”
“rent reduction repairs not done”
“tenant rights repairs Austria”
“no heating landlord what to do”
“report unfit housing”

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🔧 My landlord ignores my repair request — who do I contact?