Question 1

How do I search for homes?

Accepted Answer

Use filters such as city, move-in date, budget, property type, and rental duration to find homes that match your needs. Wohna supports long-term rentals, flexible stays, shared apartments, and entire apartments. Listings are shown based on availability and your selected preferences.

Question 2

What does "available from" mean?

Accepted Answer

"Available from" shows the earliest date you can move into a property.

Question 3

What is a booking request?

Accepted Answer

A booking request is your way of telling a provider that you would like to rent a property. The provider may review your request and approve, decline, or request more information. A booking request is not legally binding.

Question 4

Can I edit my booking request?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can update your requested dates and documents from your Bookings section. If the request has already been approved, any changes in dates will require the provider to review and approve it again.

Question 5

Can I send multiple requests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can send requests for multiple properties at the same time. This helps you explore options in the market. A property is only secured once the booking process is completed.

Question 6

What if the provider does not respond?

Accepted Answer

If you do not receive a response, you can follow up directly through chat. Uploading required documents and adding a short message can improve your chances of getting a response.

Question 7

What happens after my request is approved?

Accepted Answer

After approval, you complete the booking payment, your booking is confirmed, and the contract process begins. Approval alone does not secure the property.

Question 8

How long do I have to complete the booking after approval?

Accepted Answer

Once your request is approved, you have 48 hours to complete the payment. If payment is not completed within this time, the booking request will expire and may need to be submitted again.

Question 9

Can I communicate with providers before booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can message providers directly through Wohna before sending a request. We recommend keeping communication and payments on the platform for better support and protection.

Question 10

Can I visit the property before booking?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. You can request a visit directly through chat. Availability depends on the provider — some allow visits, while others may not.

Question 11

What do I pay to secure a home?

Accepted Answer

To secure a home, you pay the first month's rent and a one-time service fee. Once paid, your booking is confirmed and the contract process begins.

Question 12

How does protected payment work?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed securely through Wohna. Your payment is released to the provider 48 hours after move-in, if no serious issue is reported.

Question 13

What should I do if something is wrong at move-in?

Accepted Answer

Report any serious issue within 48 hours through Wohna. Examples include no access to the property, the wrong apartment, or major differences from the listing. Minor issues (e.g. cleaning or small defects) do not qualify for refunds.

Question 14

When is the deposit paid?

Accepted Answer

The deposit is paid separately, usually 2 weeks before move-in. It is processed through Wohna and transferred to the provider.

Question 15

Can I cancel after payment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but this depends on when you cancel and whether the contract has been signed. Before signing: if you cancel within the cancellation window you are eligible for a refund; after the window expires the first month's rent and service fee are non-refundable, though a paid deposit is fully refunded. After signing: the contract becomes legally binding and the cancellation policy no longer applies — any cancellation or refund is subject to the provider's discretion and the terms of the contract. Wohna can assist in communication between both parties but cannot guarantee any specific outcome.

Question 16

How does the contract process work?

Accepted Answer

After payment, the provider prepares the contract, you receive it digitally, you review and sign, and then the provider signs. The contract becomes valid once both parties have signed.

Question 17

Can I review the contract before signing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can review all terms and discuss questions with the provider before signing.

Question 18

How does digital signing work?

Accepted Answer

Contracts are signed digitally through secure systems. You can sign remotely, and digital signatures are legally valid.

Question 19

What happens if I don't sign the contract?

Accepted Answer

If you do not sign within a reasonable time, the provider may follow up and may choose to withdraw the rental offer. Your booking remains subject to the applicable cancellation policy. If the cancellation window expires before signing, you may no longer be eligible for a refund. To secure your booking and avoid losing the apartment or refund eligibility, we recommend completing the signing process within the cancellation period.

Question 20

Can I download the signed contract?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can download it anytime from your account once it is fully signed.

Question 21

What is a Meldezettel?

Accepted Answer

A Meldezettel is the official registration form used in Austria to register your place of residence. If you live in Austria, you are legally required to register your address with the local authorities. This applies to Austrian residents, EU citizens, and international tenants and students. The Meldezettel confirms where you live and is required for many essential activities such as opening a bank account and receiving official documents.

Question 22

Do I need to register my address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Austria, you are required by law to register your address after moving into a new home. This applies to long-term rentals and most fixed-term stays. However, whether registration is possible depends on the specific property and provider — always check the listing details or confirm with the provider before booking.

Question 23

Who signs the registration form?

Accepted Answer

The Meldezettel must be signed by you (the tenant) and the accommodation provider (landlord or property provider).

Question 24

How soon should I register?

Accepted Answer

You must register your address within 3 days of moving in.

Question 25

Where do I register my address?

Accepted Answer

At your local registration office. In Vienna: the Magistratisches Bezirksamt (Magistrate Office). In other cities: the Gemeinde (municipal office).

Question 26

What does "Verified" mean on Wohna?

Accepted Answer

It means the provider has completed additional verification (KYC) checks. This improves trust but does not replace your own judgment.

Question 27

Why are documents required?

Accepted Answer

Providers may request documents to confirm identity and rental eligibility. These are only shared after you send a booking request.

Question 28

Should I ever pay outside Wohna?

Accepted Answer

No. Payments outside Wohna are not protected and increase fraud risk. Always pay through the platform.

Question 29

What should I do if I encounter suspicious behavior?

Accepted Answer

Report it through Wohna. We may investigate, contact both parties, suspend listings, and assist with resolution.

Question 30

What is usually included in rent in Austria?

Accepted Answer

Rent may include operating costs (Betriebskosten), water, heating, and building services. Check the listing breakdown carefully.

Question 31

What is a fixed-term rental?

Accepted Answer

A fixed-term rental means the contract has a defined start and end date. In Austria, many residential rental contracts are fixed-term and commonly run for at least 3 to 5 years under standard tenancy rules. However, shorter stays may still be possible for serviced apartments, co-living spaces, and temporary accommodation models.

Question 32

Can I rent before arriving in Austria?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can search, book, pay, and sign contracts remotely.

Question 33

What documents are usually required?

Accepted Answer

Typically: ID or passport, proof of income or employment, and student or residence documents. If you're new to Austria, providers may accept employment contracts, admission letters, or relocation documents.

Question 34

What is a Hauptwohnsitz and Nebenwohnsitz?

Accepted Answer

In Austria, Hauptwohnsitz means your primary residence and Nebenwohnsitz means an additional or secondary residence. Your Hauptwohnsitz is generally the place where you mainly live, work, study, or center your daily life. A Nebenwohnsitz is typically used for temporary stays, second apartments, student housing, or work-related accommodation.

Questions, answered.

Find a Home

Booking Requests

Payments & Deposits

Digital Contracts

Move-In

Trust & Safety

Renting in Austria

Still curious?

Questions, answered.

Find a Home

01How do I search for homes?

02What does "available from" mean?

Booking Requests

01What is a booking request?

02Can I edit my booking request?

03Can I send multiple requests?

04What if the provider does not respond?

05What happens after my request is approved?

06How long do I have to complete the booking after approval?

07Can I communicate with providers before booking?

08Can I visit the property before booking?

Payments & Deposits

01What do I pay to secure a home?

02How does protected payment work?

03What should I do if something is wrong at move-in?

04When is the deposit paid?

05Can I cancel after payment?

Digital Contracts

01How does the contract process work?

02Can I review the contract before signing?

03How does digital signing work?

04What happens if I don't sign the contract?

05Can I download the signed contract?

Move-In

01What is a Meldezettel?

02Do I need to register my address?

03Who signs the registration form?

04How soon should I register?

05Where do I register my address?

Trust & Safety

01What does "Verified" mean on Wohna?

02Why are documents required?

03Should I ever pay outside Wohna?

04What should I do if I encounter suspicious behavior?

Renting in Austria

01What is usually included in rent in Austria?

02What is a fixed-term rental?

03Can I rent before arriving in Austria?

04What documents are usually required?

05What is a Hauptwohnsitz and Nebenwohnsitz?

Still curious?