Austria's Greens demand new heat‑protection rental law amid soaring temperatures

Austria is in the grip of a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to reach 40 °C. The federal government has been criticised for inaction on protecting tenants from overheated apartments. Green Party housing spokesperson Nina Tomaselli says, “For thousands of people the own apartment becomes a heat trap” and accuses the coalition of letting a year pass without any steps on heat protection.

The Greens had introduced a climate‑friendly tenancy amendment last summer, proposing measures such as external shading systems, solar‑film windows and balcony greening, a consent‑fiction clause for landlords, and a statutory duty to ensure thermal safety. The proposal was postponed by the ruling parties in December and has remained stalled. The party is now re‑submitting the bill to the National Council, urging Housing Minister Andreas Babler to act promptly.

The debate highlights the intersection of climate change, public health and renters’ rights in Austria as the country confronts rising heat‑related mortality.