Free operating cost check: The City of Vienna’s tenant assistance service provides information and support with questions about billing
Vienna (OTS) – Most tenants will receive their utility bill by June 30th. Until that day it will either be delivered by post or can be found on the bulletin board in the staircase. Experience shows that operating cost statements are unfortunately often incorrect. In the best case scenario, this billing results in a credit, which is usually offset against the next but one interest payment. Sometimes there is also an additional payment, which causes many tenants to take a closer look. If you have any questions about utility billing, the City of Vienna’s Tenant Help Center is available on the free service number 01/4000 8000 with help and advice.
“As a housing councilor, supporting the people of Vienna in tenancy law matters is particularly important to me. Therefore, the City of Vienna’s tenant assistance service checks the operating cost statements for all tenants competently, quickly and unbureaucratically. Take advantage of this free service and get advice,” said Vice Mayor and Women and Housing Councilor Kathrin Gaál.
Many tenants are now finding out whether the required operating cost bills are actually correct – it’s worth taking a closer look at the costs for external service providers or classic billing errors.
Verification pays off
“Of course, our experts know exactly what to pay attention to when billing operating costs, so a free check can be worth money for tenants. In any case, our appeal is: Use our free services and get advice. Only a check can provide certainty as to whether everything is actually happening correctly,” says Christian Bartok, head of the tenant assistance department for the city of Vienna.
What are operating costs?
Operating costs are ongoing costs for operating a residential building. The operating cost catalog is listed in the law. According to the Tenancy Law (MRG), landlords are obliged to invoice the operating costs by June 30th at the latest and to make them visible in a suitable place on the staircase, for example on a notice board. As part of an initial consultation on tenancy law with tenant help, it must first be clarified whether the Tenancy Law Act is applicable.
The following expenses in the area of the Tenancy Law can, for example, be charged to tenants as operating costs:
- Garbage collection
- Clearing out abandoned property
- Pest control
- Sweeping fees (chimney sweep)
- Electricity for lighting and communal facilities
- Administrative fee
- House cleaning (house caretaker, house and garden supervisor)
Under no circumstances may maintenance work such as repair work, repair work on the roof, in the staircase, in apartments and the like be charged for. This work must be financed from the main rent reserve. In this case, a direct charge to the tenant is not permitted.
Rights and obligations of tenants
The flat rate billing is the most common variant of the operating cost specification. In this case, the landlord collects a constant monthly amount and invoices this by June 30th of the following year at the latest.
In order to be able to carry out a detailed check of the billing, it is recommended to view the invoice. The Tenancy Law Act provides for a review of operating costs to be carried out retroactively for up to three years.
The City of Vienna’s tenant assistance – free, competent, consistent
The tenant assistance experts are available by telephone 01/4000 8000 from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clock available. We recommend making an appointment for personal advice. Under www.mieterhilfe.at Those seeking advice receive additional information. / Ending
Questions & Contact:
Valentina Miglik
Communication
Wohnservice Wien Ges.mbH
1030 Vienna, Guglgasse 7-9/2. Upper floor
Telephone: +43(0)1 24 503-25851
E-Mail: valentina.miglik@wohnservice-wien.at
www.wohnservice-wien.at
Gerda Mackerle
Media spokesperson Vice Mayor Kathrin Gaál
Tel.: 0676/8118 81983
E-Mail: gerda.mackerle@wien.gv.at