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RENTING

EXPLAINED: Which documents do you need to rent a flat in Austria?

It's not easy finding an apartment or house in Austria, but once you do, make sure you have all the proper papers so you don't hamper your chances of getting it.

Published: 8 April 2022 14:50 CEST
Updated: 14 October 2023 08:32 CEST
The Austrian city of Salzburg. Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash
Second-home rules will depend on the region in Austria. (Photo by Dimitry Anikin on Unsplash)

If you are moving to Austria, finding a flat is certainly one of the first things you might be worried about.

A quick internet search will show that the Austrian rental market is difficult. The major cities have high rents, and the apartment search can get competitive.

However, you can really increase your chances of finding the perfect place by getting all your documents prepared beforehand.

Some of the best places are rented almost on a first-come-first-served basis. As a result, it is not uncommon for people to start negotiations right at the viewing.

One common tip for those looking for a place is to bring some documents and papers prepared with you to hand them to the broker if you like the place so that you can speed up the process – and be seen as a serious candidate.

READ ALSO: Property: How to find a rental flat when you arrive in Austria

What documents can a landowner ask me for?

If you want to be prepared for any interviews or negotiations regarding a new place, you should keep a copy of a picture ID handy.

Usually, a passport would be the best ID for foreigners. Still, if you have EU-issued identification or even an Austrian driver’s license, that would work.

If you are from outside of the European Union, you might be asked for proof that you have a right of residence in Austria. 

Besides that, landowners will ask you for proof of income. There are several ways you could provide this proof, depending on your current situation.

Usually, property owners will ask for a three-month payment slip to prove steady employment. However, if you are just moving into the country, you could also provide them with a work contract or even your most recent tax return documentation.

Agencies and private renters are always looking to reduce risk exposure, so if you are new in the country or if you are self-employed, gather all documents you can to prove you will be able to pay rent.

READ ALSO: Checklist: What you need to do when you leave Austria for good

In some cases, you can ask for a guarantor to cosign the deal with you – so proof of the person’s income would be an essential document to have.

You can also use personal income, such as family donations and inheritance, as proof of income, as long as you can show a payment slip and the donor’s documentation and statement of donation.

Another possibility to reassure the flat owner is to offer to pay a larger security deposit. Usually, renters in Austria need to pay around three months’ rent as a security deposit that they would get when leaving the apartment – if certain conditions are met.

Some people accept a larger deposit (for example, six months) for cases of “higher risk” renters, usually the self-employed or someone who recently moved to Austria. You can negotiate to receive the “extra” deposit back after one year.

Another document you need to have handy is your current proof of residence. In Austria, this is called the Meldezettel.

Your bank details will also be required, and usually, a copy of your bank card is enough.

Finally, there are a few forms that a landowner or real estate agent might ask you to fill out and send them. Usually, these are renter’s forms clarifying if you have pets, intend to work from your apartment and similar things. There is also a “data protection” form in conformance with EU regulations.

READ ALSO: Renting in Austria: The vocab you need to understand apartment ads

Another common practice is to send an “income calculator” with all your income versus your planned monthly expenses. Some renters also ask for character references, which could be from an Austrian friend or your previous landlord or landlady, but this is quite rare.

These may seem like a lot, but getting ready before will save a lot of time and headache. Also, since competition for the best places is high, having your papers prepared could be the difference between getting the flat or not.

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LIVING IN AUSTRIA

‘Haushaltsversicherung’: How does Austria’s home insurance work?

'Haushaltsversicherung' is one of Austria's most popular types of insurance. It is not mandatory, but it is certainly worth evaluating, especially as it comes with many possible add-ons.

Published: 2 May 2024 15:22 CEST
'Haushaltsversicherung': How does Austria's home insurance work?

Austrians are certainly obsessed with insurance coverage, and one of the most popular and common ones is known as the “Haushaltsversicherung”—if you don’t have it already, you have certainly heard of it. Here’s what you need to know about household insurance.

Firstly, this insurance covers damages to “all movable objects within your own four walls,” as Austria’s Chamber of Labour (AK) explains. This includes furniture, carpets, and electrical appliances. It would also cover damages caused by fire, storms, water, burglary, and glass breakage. 

Certain types of insurance, such as private liability insurance or mandatory dog liability insurance, are almost always combined with household insurance—another reason why the Haushaltsversicherung is so popular in Austria.

READ ALSO: What kind of insurance do I need to have in Austria?

However, there are enormous differences in premiums and benefits, so experts suggest you check precisely what you need before taking out insurance. The AK also says you should talk to an insurance advisor to learn more about your specific case and needs, particularly if you have any valuables in your home. 

Additionally, they said: “It makes sense to check your policy every few years to ensure that you are properly insured. This guarantees that the sums insured and the risks included are up-to-date and sufficient”.

What should I keep an eye on when reviewing policies?

Of course, different companies have their own offers, and they are often highly customisable to fit your apartment and lifestyle—some things you need to be aware of, though.

Certain policies are tied to the size of your apartment, while others will have a lump sum regardless of the size of your place. Policies also usually differ depending on whether you live in an apartment or a house. 

While most insurance will cover glass breakage (such as when a hail storm breaks your window, for example), some might have it as an add-on (wahlweise mit Glasbruch). 

You may also add other types of insurance to your household insurance, the most common being mandatory dog liability insurance (Hunde-Haftpflicht), legal insurance (Straf-Rechtsschutz), and sports insurance.

READ ALSO: Should I take out insurance before skiing in Austria?

It’s worth it to read each policy, but you should know some common clauses beforehand. For example, insurance often won’t cover burglary costs if your house has not been properly secured and locked. This might seem obvious, but since door knobs don’t open from the outside without the key, people often leave their homes, especially for short errands, and don’t lock the doors all the way. Insurance and safety experts recommend you get in the habit of locking your home doors.

It’s also important to check if your insurance will pay you “Neuwert” or “Zeitwert” in case of damage. 

A Neuwert means the insurance will pay for a replacement object, regardless of how old the stolen or broken one was. However, many insurance policies still contain the so-called “Zeitwert”, something like “current value”, so you wouldn’t receive an amount that could pay for a new product. Instead, a loss of value of around 10 percent per year could be expected for most objects.

What should I do if there is damage to my home?

If you see any damage to your home from burglary, accident or other types, you need to notify your insurer immediately and report the damage you have suffered. 

The insurance conditions usually stipulate a maximum period of three days for reporting a claim in property insurance. The Chamber of Labour also recommends that you send a written notification of the claim (preferably by registered mail, they add).

“Make a list of all items that have been destroyed or lost and enclose it with your report to both the insurer and the security authorities”, they said. And, of course, in the event of fire burglary or robbery, always inform the fire department or police authorities.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: The Austrian insurance for if you get sued – or want to sue someone

How long does the insurance last, and how much does it cost?

The insurance term is usually specified in the counteract. In general, though, you can terminate it after the third year with one month’s notice if the contract has not already expired.

If you move house or move abroad, you can terminate your household insurance contract. You can cancel the insurance the day before the move begins (preferably by registered letter).

If you do not exercise your right of termination, the insurance will remain valid during the move and in the new home.

Regarding prices, they can be as low as a few euros a month (such as insurance specifically tailored to students living in shared flats) to several hundred a month if you have a large place with plenty of valuables or include several add-ons. 

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