Austria’s official housing guidance warns against paying commissions, deposits or advance payments before a rental contract is signed and understood. Since July 2023, the Bestellerprinzip generally means the party who commissioned the broker pays the brokerage fee.
Before you sign
- Verify who is legally entitled to rent out the property.
- Read the full contract and ask about clauses you do not understand.
- Record the apartment condition and included inventory.
- Get all oral promises into writing.
- Keep a copy of everything you sign and a receipt for every payment.
Kaution — rental deposit
Arbeiterkammer Wien says three gross monthly rents are common. There is no simple statutory maximum in every case; AK cites six gross monthly rents as a general Supreme Court guideline, with exceptional circumstances potentially differing. The deposit secures legitimate landlord claims and normal wear is not automatically damage.
Do you pay a broker commission?
Austria’s official information explains the Bestellerprinzip: tenants generally pay broker commission only when they themselves commissioned the broker. If the landlord commissioned the broker — as is common — the landlord bears that commission.
Monthly rent and Betriebskosten
Ask what the advertised figure includes. Main rent, operating costs, heating, electricity, internet, parking and furniture charges can be separate. Compare the total monthly housing cost, not just the headline rent.
Move-in handover
Photograph the condition, meters, keys and visible damage on the day you receive the apartment. Keep the handover protocol and evidence in case there is a deposit dispute later.