Starting in April, rents in older buildings may rise slightly again after a longer pause. The reference values used to calculate rent are being adjusted. However, due to the 5th Rent Law Inflation Relief Act, they may not be increased in line with inflation but by no more than one percent. Statistik Austria will publish the new reference value for the first time on April 1, 2026.
The total rent, including any location surcharges, may therefore increase by a maximum of one percent in 2026. There are currently no official figures for the reference value for this year, which varies by province. According to calculations, it is expected to be lowest in Burgenland at €6.15 per square meter and highest in Vorarlberg at €10.35. In Vienna, it would amount to €6.74.
Tenants Must Be Notified in Time
For newly concluded rental contracts, the increased amounts will apply starting in April. For existing contracts, they will take effect no earlier than May. A prerequisite is that tenants are notified. This notice may only be sent after April 1—after publication of the new reference value by Statistik Austria—and must be received at least 14 days before the rent due date.
Specifically affected by the “rent cap” decided by the government last year are tenants in older buildings, municipal housing, and cooperative apartments. Next year, rent increases for these units will also be capped at two percent. Even from April 1, 2028, rent adjustments to inflation will be restricted: any portion of an increase exceeding three percent will be reduced by half.
