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Vienna tenants reclaim €1.34M through rent check initiative in two years

A simple contract review turned into millions recovered for Vienna's renters. Could your lease be costing you more than it should?

The image shows an old map of the city of Vienna, Austria, with a person standing in the center....
The image shows an old map of the city of Vienna, Austria, with a person standing in the center. The map is detailed and shows the various streets, buildings, and other landmarks of the area. The text on the paper provides additional information about the map, such as the names of the cities and the boundaries of the streets.

Vienna tenants reclaim €1.34M through rent check initiative in two years

The Vienna Chamber of Labor (AK Wien) has revealed the impact of its 'Old-Building Rent Check' service. Over the past two years, tenants in the city have reclaimed more than €1.34 million through the initiative. The service has helped thousands review their lease agreements and correct unfair charges.

Since its launch, the programme has supported around 3,600 tenants. Many sought help after discovering unclear or incorrect terms in their contracts. AK Wien highlighted frequent mistakes in surcharges and deductions, which often led to overcharging.

About 700 disputes were escalated to courts or mediation boards. Of these, 200 have already been settled in favour of tenants. Those who won their cases typically recovered around €6,700 each.

The service has also led to long-term benefits for renters. Many saw their future rent payments reduced after legal reviews. Others gained clarity on previously disputed contract clauses.

The findings underline the value of contract checks for tenants in older buildings. AK Wien continues to urge renters to review their agreements for potential errors. The recovered funds and legal resolutions demonstrate the service's practical impact on housing fairness.

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