Jews owned many of the houses in which they lived. They were also allowed to purchase land with vineyards. Rabbi Isaak Bar Rabbi Moses Or Sarua depicts in a report about the sharing of possessions in the early 13th century Jewish dwellings: “... and all had the courts in the back parts of the houses. In Vienna there are no forecourts, but the courtrooms are behind the houses and the backcourt served for all the uses.” (OS-Or Sarua 1, 225, Nr. 762 – Responsa to questions related to Jewish customs).
The houses had several rooms. Rabbi Isserlein mentions time and again "winter and summer houses" and his pupil explains that he is referring to different chambers. The toilet was outside the house. There was also a toilet next to the synagogue in Vienna. Room windows were made of glass or made of paper which was fastened with the help of glue made from dough. The furniture consisted of tables, benches, shelves and we also learn of “bookshelves and benches in the winterhouse” and find in the apartments of rich people “an instrument made up of weights which strikes and emits sounds in accordance with the orders of the hours” (THD-Terumat Ha-Deschen, Nr. 251; LY I, 48, RGA R. Bruna, Nr. 116 - Responsa to questions related to Jewish customs, include information about the daily life of the Jews).