Can I check the operating-cost statement in Austria?
Yes — as a tenant you may check and contest the operating-cost statement. In the full-application area of the Tenancy Act (MRG), the landlord must present the previous year's statement by 30 June of the following year (§ 21). The statement and all receipts must be made available for inspection. The right to inspect receipts and get copies runs for 6 months from when the statement is laid (usually until 31 December). Only the items listed in § 21 count as operating costs (water, refuse, chimney sweep, insurance, property tax, caretaker, etc.) — not repairs or management. A back-payment or credit is settled with the rent the following month. In short: yes — checking and inspecting receipts is your right.
📋 The rules
- Statement by 30 June of the following year
- Receipt inspection must be offered
- Inspection right 6 months from laying
- Only § 21 items are operating costs
- Back-payment/credit settled the next month
🔓 Exceptions
- Partial/no MRG application: contract, not § 21
- Without receipt inspection the statement isn't validly laid
- Error claims up to 3 years retroactively
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There's no automatic fine, but you can enforce a proper statement via the arbitration board (free) or the district court; back-payments or credits fall due the month after the statement is laid. Repair and management costs may not be charged as operating costs. Beware a myth: "if the landlord misses 30 June, I owe nothing" is false — the duty to account and any genuine back-payment remain; the missed deadline only gives you the right to demand the statement and inspection. Tip: take up the receipt inspection and compare the items with the § 21 list.
📎 Official sources
- Tenants' Association · operating costs →
- RIS · § 21 Tenancy Act →
- Chamber of Labour · operating-cost statement →
❓ Frequently asked
By when must the operating-cost statement be ready?
In the full-application area of the Tenancy Act, the landlord must present the statement for the previous calendar year by 30 June of the following year. The statement and all related receipts must be made available to tenants for inspection.
May I inspect the receipts?
Yes. You have the right to inspect the receipts for the operating-cost statement at the building or with the property manager and to request copies against cost reimbursement. This inspection right runs for six months from when the statement is laid, usually until 31 December.
What counts as operating costs?
Only the items listed in § 21 of the Tenancy Act count, such as water and sewage, refuse collection, chimney sweep, building insurance, property tax, pest control and caretaker. Repair and management costs may not be passed on as operating costs.
What can I do about errors?
With errors you can turn to the free arbitration board or the district court to enforce a correct statement. Claims over wrong charging can be pursued retroactively within the general limitation period of up to three years.
Do I owe nothing if the deadline is missed?
No. If the landlord misses 30 June, the duty to account and a justified back-payment still remain. The missed deadline doesn't free you from the costs but gives you the right to actively demand the statement and receipt inspection.
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