The law on rental apartments differentiates between two types of rent relationships, a primary leasehold (Hauptmiete) and a sublet (Untermiete).

Primary leasehold (Hauptmiete) is created when a tenancy agreement (Mietvertrag) is drawn up between the person seeking housing and

• the owner of the building
• the owner of the apartment
• the tenant or lessor of the entire building
• the future proprietor of the apartment whose ownership has not yet been entered into the land register.

A sublet (Untermiete) is created when a tenancy agreement (Mietvertrag) is established between a primary leaseholder and the person wanting to rent.
Sublets can be problematic, make sure you see a copy of the Primary leasehold (Hauptmiete) before going into such a contract to make sure the primary leaseholder has the right to sublet. Both contract should be reviewed by a lawyer, or your comapnies legal deparment before you sign them.

Duration of contract

Normally in Austria rental contracts have a legal minimum term of three years; but no legal maximum term. If a limited tenancy agreement  is extended, the legal minimum term of three years also applies. Both limited contracts (Befristeted) and unlimited (Unbefristeted) contracts can be found in Austria.

Diplomatic or Repatriate Clause

If their is a chance you may be transferred before the lease periods is up ask for a Diplomatic or Repatriate Clause, most landlords renting to Expats will include this if requested. The clause usually is states cou can then terminate the lease by giving 2 months notice. Thereafter, the security deposit will be refunded to you.

Termination  Notice Period

After one year of the commencement or the extension of a tenancy agreement, the tenant has the unalienable and unlimited right to give a three-month notice and cancel the agreement before lapse of time (at the earliest at the end of the 16th month) according to legal guidelines before the stipulated term on any last day of a month.

Security Deposit

Security deposit equivalent to 3 months rent (can be less or up to 6 months, 6 months is the most allowed by law)