How do I find out if I am paying too much rent?

Work out the maximum legal base rent from the Richtwert, the flat's category, surcharges and – for fixed-term leases – the 25% discount, and compare it with the base rent on your rent statement. If yours is clearly higher, a free check by the arbitration board, the Chamber of Labour or a tenants' association is worth it.

How far back can I reclaim overpaid rent?

For an open-ended lease, the excess must be challenged within three years of signing; for a fixed-term lease, the deadline ends at the earliest six months after the lease ends (§ 16 (8) MRG). You can reclaim the overpayment for the last three years (§ 27 (3) MRG).

What is the location surcharge (Lagezuschlag)?

A surcharge for an above-average location. It is only allowed if the landlord states and justifies it in writing no later than when the lease is signed (§ 16 (4) MRG). In Gründerzeit districts dominated by small, simply equipped flats it is generally excluded. The City of Vienna has currently suspended its location-surcharge calculator because of pending proceedings.

Why should a fixed-term flat be cheaper?

For fixed-term main tenancies under the Richtwert, the law requires a 25% discount on the maximum base rent (§ 16 (7) MRG). A fixed-term tenant carries the risk of having to move out – in return the rent may not be as high as for an open-ended lease.

Will I lose my flat if I have my rent checked?

No. Applying to have your rent reviewed is not a ground for termination. With a fixed-term lease you can also apply up to six months after moving out – which is why many tenants wait until the lease has ended.

Vienna Rent Check: Am I Paying Too Much Rent?

For old-building flats (Altbau) in Vienna and the rest of Austria: the maximum legal base rent under the 2026 Richtwert, the flat's category and the fixed-term discount – compared with the rent you actually pay.

By Florian Sponer Last updated: 29 September 2026

Federal state

Floor area (m²) As stated in the lease; excluding balcony, terrace and cellar.

Your base rent per month (€, net) Base rent (Hauptmietzins) only – excluding service charges, heating and 10% VAT. It is listed separately on your rent statement.

Category of the flat

Fixed-term lease? A fixed-term lease lowers the legal maximum by 25% (§ 16 (7) MRG).

Months since the lease started At most the last 36 months can be reclaimed.

Surcharges and whether the Richtwert applies

Location surcharge stated in the lease (€/m²) Only allowed if the lease states it in writing with reasons and the location is above average – usually not in Gründerzeit districts. Otherwise leave at 0.

Other surcharges/discounts in total (% of Richtwert) E.g. lift, balcony, cellar storage (+), or poor condition, no lift on an upper floor (−). The law sets no figures – in a dispute the arbitration board decides.

Building permit of the house

Flats in the building

Lease signed

– –

How the maximum is made up

Item	Amount
Richtwert (Vienna)	–
Category discount	–
Other surcharges/discounts	–
Location surcharge	–
Fixed-term discount (−25%)	–
Maximum per m²	–
× floor area	–
Maximum legal base rent per month	–
Your base rent	–
Difference per month	–
Possible refund (max. 36 months)	–

Note: An estimate, not legal advice. Richtwerte and category rates valid from 1 April 2026 per Statistics Austria. Location and amenity surcharges are not set by law and are decided case by case; the City of Vienna has currently suspended its location-surcharge calculator because of pending proceedings. You can have your rent checked bindingly and free of charge at the arbitration board (Schlichtungsstelle – MA 50 in Vienna), the Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer) or a tenants' association. No liability for accuracy.

How is the Richtwert rent calculated?

For most flats in old buildings, the base rent cannot be agreed freely. The starting point is the Richtwert of the federal state – in Vienna €6.74 per m² from 1 April 2026. It describes a notional standard flat of category A in an average location. For the actual flat, surcharges and discounts are added: for amenities, condition, floor and – only if justified in writing in the lease – location. If the lease is fixed-term, the result drops by 25%.

Which flats does the Richtwert apply to?

The Richtwert applies to main tenancies signed on or after 1 March 1994 in buildings with more than two flats built under a permit issued up to 8 May 1945 – in Vienna mainly Gründerzeit and inter-war buildings. Exceptions apply to buildings permitted after 1945, one- and two-family houses and large flats over 130 m². Leases from before March 1994 fall under the older category rent.

Richtwerte from 1 April 2026

Federal state	Richtwert per m²
Vienna	€6.74
Burgenland	€6.15
Carinthia	€7.89
Lower Austria	€6.92
Upper Austria	€7.30
Salzburg	€9.31
Styria	€9.30
Tyrol	€8.22
Vorarlberg	€10.35

Source: Statistics Austria, publication under § 5 (2) RichtWG. The next adjustment on 1 April 2027 is capped at 2%.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out if I am paying too much rent?: Work out the maximum legal base rent from the Richtwert, the flat's category, surcharges and – for fixed-term leases – the 25% discount, and compare it with the base rent on your rent statement. If yours is clearly higher, a free check by the arbitration board, the Chamber of Labour or a tenants' association is worth it.
How far back can I reclaim overpaid rent?: For an open-ended lease, the excess must be challenged within three years of signing; for a fixed-term lease, the deadline ends at the earliest six months after the lease ends (§ 16 (8) MRG). You can reclaim the overpayment for the last three years (§ 27 (3) MRG).
What is the location surcharge (Lagezuschlag)?: A surcharge for an above-average location. It is only allowed if the landlord states and justifies it in writing no later than when the lease is signed (§ 16 (4) MRG). In Gründerzeit districts dominated by small, simply equipped flats it is generally excluded. The City of Vienna has currently suspended its location-surcharge calculator because of pending proceedings.
Why should a fixed-term flat be cheaper?: For fixed-term main tenancies under the Richtwert, the law requires a 25% discount on the maximum base rent (§ 16 (7) MRG). A fixed-term tenant carries the risk of having to move out – in return the rent may not be as high as for an open-ended lease.
Will I lose my flat if I have my rent checked?: No. Applying to have your rent reviewed is not a ground for termination. With a fixed-term lease you can also apply up to six months after moving out – which is why many tenants wait until the lease has ended.

Sources and further reading

Statistics Austria – Richtwerte and category rates Publication of the Richtwerte and category rates from 1 April 2026.
§ 16 MRG (Tenancy Act) The Richtwert rent, surcharges, location surcharge, fixed-term discount and the deadline, in the statute's own words.
§ 27 MRG (Tenancy Act) Reclaiming excessive rent and the three-year limitation period.
konsumentenfragen.at – Rent (in German) Discounts for categories B (−25%) and C (−50%) and rent basics, from the Ministry of Social Affairs.
City of Vienna – rent calculator (in German) Rent review in Vienna: applying to the arbitration board, and the City's official rent calculator.
Vienna Chamber of Labour – Richtwert rent (in German) Free advice for members, including a check of your rent.

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