Career at the University of Vienna

Housing in Vienna

At a Glance

The University of Vienna cannot arrange accommodation for you. Finding a flat is your responsibility. Vienna's housing market is competitive and fast-moving, but it is by no means impossible – and Vienna is among the most affordable capital cities in Europe for renters.

Mandatory Residence Registration and ID Austria

  • Mandatory Residence Registration (Meldezettel): register your place of residence at a municipal district office (Meldeamt) within three working days of your arrival. You will receive a registration confirmation called the Meldezettel. You need this document for many subsequent steps, such as opening a bank account. Your landlord must sign the registration form. Official government website: Registration and notice of change.

     

  • ID Austria: The ID Austria enables persons to safely identify themselves online and thereby access digital services like the Mandatory Residence Registration online. Register your personal ID Austria: Id-austria.gv.at.

Where do I find a flat?

Temporary accomodation options:

willhaben is one of the most popular online platforms in Austria. Alongside many other categories, it features a wide range of listings for flats.

For finding a flat for a long-term stay find more information here: Housing - City of Vienna.

How do I choose a district in Vienna?

Vienna is divided into 23 districts (Bezirke), each with its own character, price level, and commute time to the University. The inner districts (1st to 9th) are historic, central, and in high demand; the outer districts tend to be more affordable and are well connected by public transport. 

Find out more in an overview of Vienna's districts for newcomers: Vienna’s Neighborhoods.

Ian Ehm

Understanding Costs

  • The Gross Rent Breakdown

    • Net rent (Nettomiete): the base cost for the space
    • Running costs (Betriebskosten): additional costs charged on top of the net rent. They typically include services such as water, sewage, waste disposal and building cleaning
    • Utilities: heating, electricity, and gas are almost always billed separately by the provider
    • Additional costs:

  • Upfront Expenses

    • Deposit (Kaution): standard is two to three months of gross rent, held in an interest-bearing account and returned when you move out (minus any damages)
    • Commission (Provision): tenants do not pay the estate agent's fee if the landlord commissioned the agent. You only pay a commission if you specifically hired the agent yourself
    • Investment fee (Ablöse): occasionally a previous tenant asks for a fee for furniture or fittings. Note: this is only legal if the items have genuine value; a transfer fee simply for the contract is illegal 

Useful Housing Vocabulary

German term

English meaning

Mietvertrag

Tenancy or lease agreement

Befristet

Fixed-term (e.g. for three years)

Unbefristet

Open-ended or permanent

Kaltmiete (kalt) / Nettomiete

Net rent without utilities

Betriebskosten (BK)

Running costs (rubbish, water, building cleaning)

Warmmiete (warm) / Bruttomiete

Gross rent (includes running costs but usually not electricity or heating)

Kaution

Deposit (typically two to three months of gross rent)

Ablöse

Fee paid to previous tenant for furniture or fittings

Hauptmiete

Direct rental contract with the landlord

Mietanbot

Tenancy offer (legally binding once signed by both parties)

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