Association for Consumer Rights
Our focus is on consumers.
We provide information on specific topics and support you in asserting
your claims and rights.
Our mission
We are an Austrian association with the aim of educating consumers
about abuses through educational work and information campaigns.
We show consumers ways to assert their rights.
No economic interests guarantee independence and objectivity.
Our values
Reliability – consumers can rely on us.
Fairness – giving consumers the opportunity to obtain justice.
Honesty – open, transparent communication based on facts.
Professionalism – something we strive for every day.
Independence – we do not pursue any economic goals.
Our current information campaign:
Checking rental agreements and operating cost statements for completeness
Based on a ruling by the Austrian Supreme Court on 17 December 2024, the Association for Consumer Rights, in cooperation with lawyers, is examining possible refunds of operating costs already paid under rental agreements.
In many rental agreements, operating costs are not transparent and, in
some cases, are not even part of the agreement.
This means that there is no legal basis for the payment of operating
costs. This applies to operating costs that have already been paid as
well as to future payments.
If you want to know whether your rental agreement or utility bill contains any formal errors, register here now. Registration is free of charge, of course.
Frequently asked questions
Why can I get money back for operating costs that I have already paid?
Based on a ruling by the Austrian Supreme Court on 17 December 2024, the
Association for Consumer Rights is examining possible refunds of operating
costs already paid under rental agreements.
In many rental agreements, operating costs are not transparent and, in some
cases, are not even part of the agreement. This means that there is no legal
basis for the payment of operating costs. This applies to operating costs that
have already been paid as well as to future payments.
Who reviews my submitted documents?
We cooperate with a team of lawyers who are responsible for the audit.
Will I incur any costs?
No
Are all rental agreements affected?
This applies to rental agreements concluded between consumers and
commercial landlords. Rental agreements that have already been terminated
are also affected, provided that the termination did not take place more than
three years ago
What is a commercial landlord?
Commercial landlords include municipalities as well as cooperatives and
companies that rent out multiple properties.
How much money can I get back?
Since the assertion of claims involves legal proceedings, it is not easy to make
a prognosis and this is only possible after reviewing your data and the
documents you have submitted.
Is it possible that I will no longer have to pay operating costs in the future?
Yes, there are cases where this may be the case.
What documents are required for an examination?
All data as specified in this form, as well as your rental agreement and your
operating costs statement (optional).
When will I receive information about whether my rental agreement or utility bill is affected?
In most cases, within two weeks.
If it is determined that I am entitled to a refund, when will I receive the payment?
As soon as the landlord has transferred the money, it will be paid out to you.
Could I encounter issues with my landlord if I have my rental agreement reviewed?
No, the preliminary review by lawyers is conducted internally; the landlord will
only be notified once the lawyer has taken action. The lawyer’s action requires
your written consent.
What happens after I send my data?
Your data will be reviewed by lawyers in advance. If it is determined that you
have a claim, you will receive a letter from us with information on how to
proceed.
Become part of our community
Are you interested in our work and passionate about defending
consumer rights?
Are you communicative and find it easy to connect with people?
Then join our team.
Applications by email to office@konsumentenrecht.info
Contact
You can reach us by telephone between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on
+43 50 1715
Oder über unser Kontaktformular:
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