Clearing an apartment after a death Austria: how to proceed

After a death in Austria the first task is to secure the home. Do not move or discard anything before the will is opened and the heirs are identified. Collect all keys, gather jewellery, cash and documents in one safe place, and photograph every room as a basic inventory – this is your best protection against later disputes between co-heirs.

A tenancy does not end at death; it transfers to the heirs. A special one-month notice right usually applies. Notify the landlord in writing with a death certificate and agree a handover date. For a freehold flat, also inform the building management and owners' association.

Allow 2 to 4 weeks for an average three-room flat. Work room by room with a four-box system: keep, share among heirs, donate, dispose. Valuable furniture, jewellery and art should be appraised before any division or sale. Caritas, Red Cross or local social shops often accept usable items.

Professional clearance in Austria costs roughly 800 to 3,500 € depending on size; always obtain two or three written quotes. Before handover, plan for any required painting and minor repairs. The Wegbegleiter App documents every step and every receipt for the estate accounts.