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Electricity & gas · Austria
Checked 2026-09-30

🔑 I rent my home in Austria: who pays for energy and how do I check the service charges?

The short answer

As a tenant you either have your own energy contract or you pay energy through the rent or service charges. The rules on shared meters and yearly statements protect you.

📜 The rules in Austria

Energy costs for tenants

In buildings with at least four units and shared heating, the Heating Cost Act (HeizKG) applies: 55 to 85% of energy costs are split by measured use. The statement is due within six months after the billing period.

  • Raise written, reasoned objections within six months of receiving the statement; otherwise it counts as accepted. (ris.bka.gv.at)
  • You can inspect the billing documents for at least four weeks. With remotely readable meters or heat cost allocators you must get consumption information at least monthly. (ris.bka.gv.at)
  • Disputes go to the district court (Bezirksgericht) in non-contentious proceedings. Where the municipality has a conciliation office for tenancy matters, you must go there first. (ris.bka.gv.at)
Official source: ris.bka.gv.at · Checked 2026-09-30

🪜 Step by step

  1. Find out how you payYour own contract with a supplier, or energy through the landlord? Your tenancy agreement says so.
  2. Ask for the statementIf the landlord charges energy or heating, ask for the yearly statement and how your share is worked out.
  3. Check the rules for AustriaSee below what landlords must do on meters, cost splitting and statements.
  4. Dispute in writingWrite to the landlord with your questions. If there is no solution, go to the body named below.

📇 Who to contact

Verein für Konsumenteninformation (VKI)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.vki.at

❓ Questions

Can I choose my own supplier as a tenant?

If you have your own meter and contract, usually yes. If energy is in the rent, the landlord chooses.

How is heating split between flats?

Often by individual meters or heat cost allocators plus a fixed share. The rules for Austria are on this page.

Can the landlord cut my energy?

A landlord may not simply cut your supply. Contact the body named on this page.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-30

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🌡️District heating, oil and LPG→📦Moving house→🧾Wrong or high bill→🔄Switching supplier→📈Price increase→

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