In Germany, the supply of quality rental apartments is significant, but the demand is also high, especially in major cities. We provide you with advice and explain what you need to consider before and after moving in.
Initial accommodation.
While waiting to find permanent accommodation in Germany, you can initially stay in a furnished apartment, a hostel, a hotel, or a youth hostel. However, you generally cannot register your residence there. Please note that you must register your residence with the competent authority within 2 weeks of your arrival in Germany (see the "Moving In" section).
What are the different types of accommodation?
There are various options to feel at home in Germany. The following options are available to you:
Rented apartment.
- long-term housing (three-month notice period)
- generally unfurnished, not always equipped with a kitchen
Sublet apartment
- Generally furnished, relatively affordable.
- Most often furnished.
Apartment in shared accommodation (WG)
- The rental duration and furnishings are typically individual and flexible.
- Cohabitation with roommates is generally cheaper than living alone.
- The kitchen and bathroom are generally shared, with each person having their own private bedroom.
University dormitories (reserved for students)
- Generally furnished, relatively affordable.
- Various and diverse offers: individual apartments, individual rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms, parent-child apartments.
- The residence is usually composed only of students, offering good opportunities for socializing, and sometimes includes leisure activities.
- There are often waiting lists; it is advisable to apply early through the relevant channels. University Works (Studierendenwerk) competent student services offices at the university. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also offers a lot of advice for finding housing.
Shared accommodation, especially in large cities, is often a more economical option than having your own apartment. Since finding suitable housing can take longer than expected, a vacation apartment or a sublet furnished apartment is also a good solution for accommodation in Germany in the initial period. It’s also a good way to prepare the necessary documents for housing searches, such as pay slips or opening a bank account, etc.
In real estate classifieds, you often come across terms such as "2-room apartment," for example. This generally means that the apartment has two rooms (e.g., a bedroom and a living room) and also includes a kitchenette and a separate bathroom with a toilet. You will find the common abbreviations in this file. PDF.
In Germany, the supply of quality rental apartments is significant, but the demand is also high, especially in major cities. We provide you with advice and explain what you need to consider before and after moving in.
Initial accommodation.
While waiting to find permanent accommodation in Germany, you can initially stay in a furnished apartment, a hostel, a hotel, or a youth hostel. However, you generally cannot register your residence there. Please note that you must register your residence with the competent authority within 2 weeks of your arrival in Germany (see the "Moving In" section).
What are the different types of accommodation?
There are various options to feel at home in Germany. The following options are available to you:
Rented apartment.
- long-term housing (three-month notice period)
- generally unfurnished, not always equipped with a kitchen
Sublet apartment
- Generally furnished, relatively affordable.
- Most often furnished.
Apartment in shared accommodation (WG)
- The rental duration and furnishings are typically individual and flexible.
- Cohabitation with roommates is generally cheaper than living alone.
- The kitchen and bathroom are generally shared, with each person having their own private bedroom.
University dormitories (reserved for students)
- Generally furnished, relatively affordable.
- Various and diverse offers: individual apartments, individual rooms with shared kitchens and bathrooms, parent-child apartments.
- The residence is usually composed only of students, offering good opportunities for socializing, and sometimes includes leisure activities.
- There are often waiting lists; it is advisable to apply early through the relevant channels. University Works (Studierendenwerk) competent student services offices at the university. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also offers a lot of advice for finding housing.
Shared accommodation, especially in large cities, is often a more economical option than having your own apartment. Since finding suitable housing can take longer than expected, a vacation apartment or a sublet furnished apartment is also a good solution for accommodation in Germany in the initial period. It’s also a good way to prepare the necessary documents for housing searches, such as pay slips or opening a bank account, etc.
In real estate classifieds, you often come across terms such as "2-room apartment," for example. This generally means that the apartment has two rooms (e.g., a bedroom and a living room) and also includes a kitchenette and a separate bathroom with a toilet. You will find the common abbreviations in this file. PDF.
Apartment visit
If you are invited to view an apartment, you should check the condition of the apartment. Does the rent, size, and number of rooms match the real estate listing? Also, pay attention to any mold, connections, or defects, such as those in the windows and doors. Discuss renovation needs with the landlord and ask if there are any further touch-ups to be done.
When visiting an apartment, ask to see the energy certificate (Energieausweis) in order to estimate the building's energy consumption. An energy certificate is a document that certifies the energy efficiency of a property. During a viewing, landlords are legally required to show you the energy certificate.
After the apartment viewing, the landlord will then choose the future tenant.
What documents do I need to rent an apartment?
In general, landlords require your latest pay slips and your passport or residence permit (no originals, only copies). Many landlords also want proof that you have no debts. In Germany, a Schufa report (Schufa-Auskunft) is often requested. It records all debts and income, i.e., your creditworthiness. However, it is only possible to have a Schufa entry if you have been living in Germany for a long time and have a German bank account. You can find more information about the report here. Schufa. If you are coming directly from abroad, the following optional alternatives exist: in some cases, a reference from your bank in your home country will suffice. If you have a relative in Germany, they could possibly act as a guarantor for you.
If you do not yet have pay slips, some landlords may ask for a copy of your employment contract, which allows them to assess whether you can regularly pay the rent. Again, an informal letter from your employer confirming your employment with the company can be helpful.
Furthermore, many landlords require you to fill out a tenant information form (Mieterselbstauskunft), which contains personal information such as family status, children, or professional activity. However, there are also questions that are not allowed, and you are not required to answer them truthfully.
It is best to ask before the apartment viewing which documents are required.
Rental fees
The rental price of a property depends on the living space, the residential location, the year of construction, the condition, and the amenities in the building (e.g., with an elevator, concierge service, or parking space). Rents are particularly high in major cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin. You can search for the official rent index (Mietspiegel) and the name of your city online to get information on current rental prices.
When reading a specific real estate listing, make sure to check whether the price includes charges or not ("warm" = with charges, "kalt" = without charges). For more information, read the "Rental Agreement" section.
Rental agreement
In Germany, rental contracts must be made in writing. Most of the time, landlords will present you with the rental agreement. Always read this important document carefully!
In the rental contract, you will find the following important points:
- Duration of the rental agreement: There are rental contracts with fixed or indefinite terms. However, fixed-term rental contracts are only allowed in the case of personal use (Eigenbedarf) by the landlord or in the case of major planned renovation works. The reason for the fixed term must be stated in the rental agreement. Some rental contracts also include a so-called termination exclusion clause (Kündigungsausschluss). This is a minimum rental period, which can be up to four years, during which you cannot terminate the contract, and conversely, your landlord cannot give you notice either. Si vous avez d'autres questions ou des besoins de traduction, je suis à votre disposition !
- Notice period: If you have an indefinite rental contract, you must give your notice in writing three months before your planned move-out date. Your landlord must also respect the three-month notice period; this period is extended to six or nine months if you have lived in the property for a long time. Your landlord can only give you notice within these periods if it is for personal use. However, immediate termination is possible if you breach the rental contract (e.g., in case of non-payment).
- Rent with and without charges: Regarding the rent amount, there is a distinction between rent without charges (Kaltmiete) and rent with charges included (Warmmiete). Rent without charges includes the monthly usage costs for the premises. Rent with charges included also covers additional costs such as water, heating, waste collection, and concierge services. Each month, the rent with charges included is paid to the landlord. Most of the time, you pay an advance or a flat fee for the charges because it is not exactly known how much you will consume throughout the year. At the end of the year, you will receive your actual consumption values in a statement, and either you will get money back or you will have to pay an additional amount. Therefore, it’s worth keeping an eye on your consumption!
- Electricity and gas must often be declared separately and are usually not included in the rent with charges included. The basic supplier in your area also temporarily provides electricity and gas before the contract is concluded. However, you must contact them and sign a contract. In some rental agreements, gas costs are included in the charges. Ask the landlord about this. Otherwise, as with the charges, the supplier will assess your consumption at the beginning and send you a detailed statement of your consumption at the end of the year.
- Security deposit: Furthermore, the landlord may ask you to pay a security deposit equivalent to a maximum of three months' rent without charges as a guarantee when the contract is concluded. After your move-out, this amount will be refunded to you, unless you have caused any damage to the apartment, for example, or if you have not paid the rent.
- Staggered rent / indexed rent: In addition to fixed-term and indefinite rental contracts, there are other specifics in Germany. For example, rental contracts may already include a rent increase. In the case of staggered rent, it is precisely determined when the rent will be increased and by how much. It may be increased every twelve months. On the other hand, indexed rent is not set in advance. It is based on the development of the cost of living (electricity, gas, water, food, etc.). If the cost of living increases, the landlord can also increase the net rent without charges. The consumer price index applies, and a rent increase is also possible every twelve months with written justification. But even for rental contracts without rent indexing or staggering, the landlord can increase the rent after justifying the increase. There are legal regulations: the rent increase must not exceed the local reference rent and must not be higher than 15-20% over a period of three years. After moving in, a rent increase can only take place after 15 months.
- Move-in inventory report: Creating a move-in inventory report (Übergabeprotokoll) is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended to establish one. This can be included in the rental agreement and is signed by you and the landlord when you move in. The condition of the apartment upon move-in is recorded in the inventory report, and it is specified in the document if there are already small damages, for example. These damages cannot then be charged to you when you move out. It is also advisable to take photos when moving into the apartment. Furthermore, you should note and photograph the meters (electricity, water, gas) when you move in. At the same time, you should not make structural changes to the apartment, e.g., changing the flooring, without the landlord's permission. Small modifications and improvements are often possible with agreement.
Need advice? Regional rental associations or the tenants' protection association (Mieterschutzbund) offer advice on rental rights and obligations, such as the rental contract, rent increases, or even terminations, for example. After an initial free consultation, a low-cost membership is required to receive more in-depth legal assistance from the rental association or the tenants' protection association. The non-profit consumer protection association (Verbraucherzentrale) can also advise you at a low cost.
You can find more information on the website of the tenants' association (Mieterschutzbund) or the consumer protection association (Verbraucherzentrale). l’association de protection des locataires (Mieterschutzbund) ou de l’association de protection des consommateurs (Verbraucherzentrale).
House rules and waste sorting:
The house rules may be part of the rental contract and are intended to govern cohabitation in a building with multiple apartments. Please respect the rules and obligations to avoid conflicts within the building and to prevent the risk of termination. For example, smoking may be prohibited in the building, including in your apartment.
In general, a set of house rules includes the following points:
- Quiet hours: In Germany, silence is required between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Therefore, you should avoid making excessive noise during this time. If you plan to have nighttime parties, inform your neighbors in advance to prepare them.
- Ventilation/heating: Many house rules prescribe how to ventilate and heat properly to prevent mold.
- Use of common areas: For shared laundry rooms, bike cellars, or garden spaces, the landlord may impose certain restrictions. For example, it may be specified where laundry can be dried or which garden furniture can be installed.
- Pets: The keeping of small animals (hamsters, rabbits, parrots, etc.) is generally always allowed and does not require special permission. For larger animals, such as dogs and cats, you generally need the landlord's permission. Check this in your rental agreement.
- Waste sorting: Proper waste sorting is mandatory in Germany and serves to protect the environment. You must dispose of your waste in the designated bins. Otherwise, your landlord may issue a warning or even terminate your lease. This is because landlords have to pay higher fees for household waste collection if waste is not sorted properly. In the section "Useful everyday knowledge," you can learn more about waste sorting in Germany.
Visit and family reunification
If a visitor stays with you for more than six consecutive weeks, you must agree with your landlord. To sublet your apartment, you must always obtain permission from the landlord. Similarly, a permanent guest may lead to an increase in rent and charges.
If you plan to bring your family to Germany, you should also discuss this with your landlord. If your household increases, the charges may rise. The accommodation must also not be considered overcrowded. Each person should have approximately eight to ten square meters of living space, and six square meters for children under six years old.
Moving
- Registration at the residence registration office (Meldebehörde): Everyone living in Germany must be registered. This registration must be done no later than two weeks after moving in at the residence registration office of your place of residence. For this purpose, you will need a valid ID card. If you are living in a rental property, you must also submit a completed confirmation from the property owner (Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung). This is a document in which the landlord confirms the date and location of your move-in. In general, you can find the form and the address of the relevant registration office on the website of the city where you are moving. Appointments are often required and must be made online.
- Signing an energy and water supply contract: If electricity, hot water, or heating gas are not included in the charges, you will need to find a supplier and sign a contract with them. But don't worry: you won't be left without anything on your first day of moving in. In a new home, you will automatically receive electricity, water, and gas from the local basic provider under their terms. You can look for a supplier after moving in and use free comparison websites for this purpose. The notice period for terminating the contract with the basic supplier is two weeks.
- Signing up for phone, internet, and TV (cable) subscriptions: There are several providers in Germany. It is worth comparing them: online portals can assist you. A tip: the installation of phone, TV, and internet connections can take several weeks. Therefore, it is advisable to contact a suitable provider before moving in, if possible.
- Broadcast fee: In Germany, you are required to pay a fee (around 18 euros per month) for radio, television, and the internet to the public law entity responsible for collecting this fee. broadcasting license fee « Beitragsservice ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio." This tax is called the GEZ fee (GEZ-Gebühr). All residents of the building must register individually. However, the fee is charged per household, regardless of the number of people. If your roommate or partner is already paying the fee, you can provide their contribution number during your registration and share the costs. You must pay the fee even if you do not use the services or do not have a television. It is used to finance public broadcasting services. After moving in, you will receive a letter from the organization responsible for collecting the broadcast fee, which will include a registration form. here More information on registration is available. It is also possible to change the language preference at the bottom of the page on the website. Blind or hearing-impaired individuals can apply for a reduction. Certain categories of people with low income may apply for an exemption. exempt from paying the fee.
Find Support
"Finding housing is not always easy! If you need help, you can contact a counseling center for adults regarding immigration (Migrationsberatungsstelle für Erwachsene - MBE) located near you. You will also find help with other issues such as learning German or health. There is also an MBE app that offers online consultations."
Furthermore, there are Welcome Centers in many German cities, some of which also provide advice for finding housing. The Goethe-Institut also has 'Welcome Coaches' in certain locations in Germany. In collaboration with cooperation partners, they organize events on topics such as housing, work, or health." Feel free to ask for any modifications if needed!