Rental reference values ​​increased – depending on the state between 5.61 and 9.44 euros

The new benchmark rental values ​​are EUR 5.61 per square meter in Burgenland and EUR 7.20 in Carinthia. In Styria for 8.49 euros. In Lower Austria the value is 6.31 euros, Upper Austria 6.66, Salzburg 8.50, Tyrol 7.50, Vorarlberg 9.44 and in Vienna 6.15 euros per square meter.

The benchmark system applies to the following conditions:

• The apartment is fully covered by the Rental Act
• The lease was signed after March 1, 1994
• The building was built before July 1, 1953 (old apartment building)

Due to the high rents for old houses, the reference value is particularly relevant in Vienna. It used to be 5.81 euros per square meter and in the future it will be 6.15 euros.

Already too high additional costs
Georg Niedermühlbichler, president of the Austrian Tenants’ Association (MVÖ), said the new, higher benchmarks come at a time when inflation is soaring. “Many people no longer know how they are going to pay the additional costs for heating, electricity and now also the higher rent, and the government puts it into perspective, looks the other way and sees it through,” says Niedermühlbichler.

One million households affected
According to the SPÖ, one million households across Austria are affected because, in addition to pure reference value contracts, part of the rental category is also becoming more expensive. SPÖ housing spokeswoman Ruth Becher is demanding suspension of increases not only for the million affected contracts, but for all leases – even in privately financed apartments. This suspension should apply until there is a new rent law, preferably the general rent law SPÖ.

Criticism of the FPÖ
“Unfortunately, the SPÖ lacks any credibility when it comes to stopping inflation. The rents of municipal housing in Vienna also threaten to explode as a result of the benchmark adjustment,” said FPÖ spokesman Philipp Schrangl.