Renting in Austria means learning more than just German. You’ll also need to decode a set of rental terms that don’t always translate neatly. This post explains how renting works in Vienna – from key terms to what they mean in practice.
If you’d like to understand how these rental rules play out in practice – from changing agent roles to price differences in the private market, see our post: Renting in Austria: Essential Tips for International Residents.
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Knowing what each rental term means helps you:
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Vienna often ranks among Europe’s most affordable capital cities – thanks to a combination of municipal and cooperative housing and strong rent regulations. These measures have established a reputation for stable, fair housing.
Though, not every apartment benefits from the same rules under the Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) – the Austrian Tenancy Act. Rent controls apply mainly to certain older buildings. Many newer private rentals sit outside these limits. Knowing which rules apply, and what the terms in your lease mean, helps you understand your rights, costs and expectations before you sign.
| Fully regulated (MRG applies) |
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These are older apartments – Altbau, pre-1953. To qualify, the building must contain at least two rental units and the apartment must be no larger than 130 m². If your home meets these conditions, rent increases are legally capped and your rights as a tenant are strongly protected. |
| Partly regulated |
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Applies to most modern apartments – Neubau, post-1953 – in multi-unit buildings or mixed-use properties (e.g. shops below, flats above). That means certain protections (like security deposits (Kaution), notice periods (Kündigungsfrist) and operating-cost statements (Betriebskosten)) still apply, but rent levels are freely negotiated. |
| Not regulated (free market) |
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Detached houses are usually outside the MRG. Rent is negotiable and landlords can adjust the price when a new contract is signed. |
For many newcomers renting newer or privately owned flats, rent is set by the market, not by regulation. Knowing which category your apartment falls under helps you assess how stable your rent will be over time.
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💡If you’re unsure, contact the City of Vienna’s tenant advisory service (MieterHilfe) or the tenants’ association (Mieterschutzverband). Even with Austria’s strong tenancy laws, protections only apply if your contract meets legal standards – so check whether the MRG applies before signing. |
The total rent calculation is:
| Rent = Net Rent + Operating Cost + 10% value added tax* |
In German:
| Rent = Hauptmiete + Betriebskosten + 10% USt* |
* 10% VAT on rent applies, except when the landlord qualifies as a “Kleinunternehmer" (small business, i.e. if they make less than €35.000 turnover/year)
🔎 Below is an example of an invoice for a rental apartment:
The breakdown can vary slightly, but it often includes:
| | 🏢 | | Versicherungen | Building insurance |
| | 🌿 | | Gartenarbeiten | Gardening |
| | 🚰 | | Wassergebühr | Water fee |
| | 💧 | | Wasserkontrolle | Water control |
| | 🧹 | | Reinigungsarbeiten | Cleaning work |
| | ⚡ | | Stromkosten | Shared electricity (for hallways, etc.) |
| | 🗑️ | | Müllgebühr | Waste fee |
| | 🐜 | | Schädlingsbekämpfung | Pest control |
| | 🧯 | | Rauchfangkehrer | Chimney sweep |
| | 🏠 | | Hausbetreuung | Caretaker / home maintenance |
| | 📄 | | Diverse Ausgaben | Miscellaneous shared costs |
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Grundbesitzabgaben |
Property tax |
⚠️ Some costs, like Liftkosten (lift), may be charged on top of Betriebskosten, so always check what is included. Major repairs or renovations are not covered by Betriebskosten and remain the owner’s responsibility.
| ⚡What isn’t included in the rent? Utilities like heating, electricity, gas and internet are usually billed directly to you by the provider. Check your lease to confirm what is covered before you move in. |
When assessing housing in Austria, whether for a residence permit or a rental application, two unwritten principles often apply: adequate space and financial affordability.
Adequate space: Authorities and landlords generally expect the apartment to suit the size of your household, both in living space and number of rooms. There’s no universal legal formula; local administrations interpret this individually and relocation experts often liaise directly with them to confirm what qualifies as “adequate.”
Affordability: While not set by law, many landlords or property managers consider rent sustainable if it represents roughly one-third of household income. This is often a benchmark for financial stability rather than a strict rule but it can influence whether an application is accepted.
💡 Both suitability and affordability are judged in context – your household composition, contract type and even location can influence how an application is viewed.
💡 For third-country nationals, your lease may be reviewed as part of your residence application, so it’s worth confirming your apartment meets local “adequate size” expectations before signing.
📄 Contracts and Lease Terms
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| Befristet / Unbefristet | Fixed-term (usually three years) vs. open-ended lease. A fixed-term lease may renew automatically if neither side terminates it properly |
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| Kündigungsfrist | Notice period. The period you or your landlord must give before ending a rental contract |
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| Meldezettel | Mandatory address registration form. You’ll need it within three days of moving in for local registration (Meldepflicht) | ||
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Mietvertrag |
Rental contract. Defines the length of your stay, rent amount, notice period and responsibilities. |
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💰 Rent and Costs |
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| Ablöse | Payment for fixtures or furniture (e.g. kitchen units). Only legal when tied to tangible items – not as “goodwill”. 💡 Get this agreement in writing – verbal deals are not enforceable |
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| Betriebskosten | Operating costs shared between tenants for upkeep of building (e.g. water, waste collection, lighting, caretaker) |
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| Betriebskostenabrechnung | The operating costs annual statement showing how building operating costs are divided among tenants. Check what is included | ||
| Bruttomiete / Nettomiete | Gross rent (base + Betriebskosten) vs. net rent (base only). Use this distinction when comparing listings | ||
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Contents insurance that covers your personal belongings inside the apartment. Many landlords require proof of this policy before handing over keys | ||
| Kaution | Security deposit, typically equal to three months’ gross rent (maximum six). Must be refunded at the end of your lease unless damage or unpaid bills remain. 💡Ask whether it’s held in a separate bank account (Sparbuch) and under whose name. |
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Miete / Hauptmiete |
The base rent, before building costs or utilities. | |
| Provision | Agent’s commission. Since the Bestellerprinzip reform, this is usually paid by the landlord, not the tenant | ||
🧱 Building and Property Type |
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Altbau |
Older, often pre-1953 buildings with high ceilings, parquet floors and character. Some Altbau flats fall under rent regulation | ||
| Dachgeschossausbau | Roof-top conversion apartment, often modern and partly regulated under the MRG | ||
| Genossenschaftswohnung | Cooperative housing owned by non-profit associations. Requires a higher initial deposit (Finanzierungsbeitrag) but offers lower rent long term. | ||
| Neubau | Newer buildings, typically post-1953 where MRG partially applies | ||
⚖️ Legal and Regulatory Terms |
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ABGB (Allgemeines Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch) |
Austrian Civil Code governs rental contracts not covered by the MRG (i.e. freier Mietvertrag or “free market” leases). | ||
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Lagezuschlag |
Location surcharge that can be added to the Richtwert for highly desirable districts. | ||
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Mietrechtsgesetz (MRG) |
Austrian Tenancy Act defining rent control and tenant protection levels: |
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RIS (Rechtsinformationssystem) |
The Austrian government’s official online database of laws and court decisions | ||
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Richtwert |
Reference rent value under the MRG. Updated regularly by the government; sets a ceiling for rent in regulated apartments | ||
Understanding the terms and structure of Vienna’s rental system makes a real difference – not just in finding the right apartment, but in knowing what you’re signing for. If you’re unsure about a contract or a term, getting expert support early can save time, stress and money later on.