A water damage in the bathroom, a crack in the wall, or a broken window – damages in a rental apartment can happen quickly. As a tenant, it is important to document and report the damages immediately and correctly to the property management. This way, repairs can be arranged more quickly, and any costs may be covered by insurance. Here, we explain the best way to proceed:
1. Act Immediately: Document and Inform
As soon as you notice damage, the rule is: act quickly! The sooner you report the damage, the better the property management can respond. In Austria, damages should generally be reported immediately, within 1 to 2 days. Especially in the case of serious damage that threatens the building or safety, it is advisable to report it on the same day. Unaddressed damage can worsen and often lead to further consequences.
2. Document the Damage Correctly
For clear communication and to ensure that the property management and insurance company can assess the damage, thorough documentation is crucial. The following steps will help you with this:
- Fotos machen
Fotografieren Sie den Schaden aus verschiedenen Perspektiven und achten Sie auf klare, gut beleuchtete Aufnahmen. Fangen Sie sowohl den gesamten Schaden als auch relevante Details ein – beispielsweise Nahaufnahmen von Wasserflecken oder Rissen. Verwenden Sie zur Veranschaulichung auch gerne Alltagsgegenstände (z. B. eine Münze oder ein Lineal), um die Größe des Schadens darzustellen. - Make Written
Notes Record the key details in writing: When did you discover the damage? Was there a specific trigger (e.g., heavy rain, pipe burst)? Note if you had noticed any small signs of the damage beforehand. These notes can help reconstruct the sequence of events later and provide important context for both the property management and insurance company. - Minor Containment Measures
If possible, take small steps to prevent the damage from worsening. For example, in the case of water damage, turn off the water supply or use a towel to absorb the water. However, avoid attempting major repairs yourself—leave that to the property management and professionals. This will ensure that the situation is handled properly and safely.
3. Written Report to Property Management
Report the damage as soon as possible and, in any case, in writing. However, the fastest and easiest way to report the damage is through our website. Simply use the damage reporting buttondescribe the damage, upload photos, and submit the report directly. This method ensures quick processing and helps us review your concern immediately.
If reporting the damage via the website is not possible, you can of course report the damage by email. Be sure that your message includes all the important points:
- Brief, Precise Description
Explain the damage in clear terms: What is damaged, how did it happen, and when did it occur? If you know the cause (e.g., a pipe burst), be sure to mention that as well. - Attach Photos and Notes
Attach the photos you’ve taken and your written notes as an appendix. This will provide all parties involved with a clear understanding of the damage situation. - Your Contact Information
For safety, include your phone number and possibly an alternative email address in case there are follow-up questions.
4. Maintain Regular Communication
Once the damage has been reported, it's important to keep track of the progress. The property management should handle the report and arrange for repairs, but regular follow-ups can be helpful to speed up the process and stay informed about the current status.
- Request Status
Updates If you haven't received any feedback after a few days, you can politely inquire whether the damage report has been submitted to the insurance and ask about the next steps. This shows that you are actively following up on the process. -
No Repairs done by yourself
Without Consultation Avoid commissioning major repairs on your own. Wait until the property management or the insurance company approves the necessary steps. This ensures that repairs are handled correctly and that you are not responsible for any additional costs.
A quick and thorough damage report is crucial to promptly address issues in the rental apartment and prevent further damage. It's best to report damages directly through our website to ensure fast processing. By doing so, you actively help restore your home to its best condition. If you have any questions or uncertainties, we are always here to assist you.