Vienna City Guide

Partly Furnished Accommodation The situation is different when fittings belong to the landlord. It may be the case that the landlord installs a kitchen at the tenant’s cost and increases the rent accordingly or a built-in kitchen is already reflected in the rent. Such an agreement should be part of the rental contract; a precise list of items (walk-through protocol) is required. The same applies when buying a property. Furnished Accommodation In Austria, the letting of furnished property is not as common as it is in some other countries, even less so for large apartments or houses. Please note that the furniture is sometimes of poor quality and old-fashioned. When a satisfactorily furnished property is found, one must expect a rent 10 - 20 percent higher than for an empty property. Rental Prices in Vienna In general, rental prices in Vienna are rising. The inner districts of Vienna (districts 1 to 9) and the so-called green districts to the north/northwest of the city centre (districts 13, 18, 19 and partly 17) are the favourite areas and thus also the most expensive. The location, size, layout and fittings in an apartment determine the price. They have to be in balance with each other. An apartment in an expensive neighbourhood with spacious layout and state-of-the-art fittings is not available for an inexpensive rent. Furnished apartments are less available and more expensive than unfurnished apartments. Unspecified duration – The contract can usually be cancelled by both parties with a termination period of three months to the end of a calendar month if not agreed otherwise in the contract. Specified duration – A rental contract that is valid for at least three years (or more) can be cancelled after one year with a three months’ notice to the end of a calendar month. Moreover, a so called company clause/diplomatic clause may be negotiated which says that the tenant may cancel the lease with a three months’ notice at any time but only if the tenant has to move to another city for professional reasons. Fees to the Inland Revenue Office (Tax) According to Austrian law, any costs relating to the lease contract which are incurred with the Inland Revenue Office are at the expense of the tenant. If the landlord/property management is directed to pay any such costs, the tenant must reimburse him/them upon presentation thereof. In general, the basis for the calculation of the amount is the triple annual gross rent. The amount which needs to be paid to the Inland Revenue Office is 1% of the triple annual gross rent. Basic Know-How for Tenants Duration of Rental Contract There are normally two types of rental agreements:

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Vienna City Guide