Housing· 4 min read
Finding an apartment
The rental market in big cities is competitive. Understand cold vs warm rent, the deposit, and the documents landlords expect.
Finding a flat (Wohnung) in popular cities can be the hardest part of moving to Germany. Being organised with your documents makes you stand out.
Key vocabulary
- Kaltmiete — base ('cold') rent, excluding utilities.
- Nebenkosten — additional costs (heating, water, building upkeep).
- Warmmiete — total ('warm') rent including Nebenkosten.
- Kaution — security deposit, usually up to 3 months' cold rent, refundable.
- WG (Wohngemeinschaft) — a shared flat, often the easiest first option.
Documents landlords often ask for
- SCHUFA credit report
- Last 3 payslips or proof of income
- Copy of ID / passport
- Sometimes a 'Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung' (no-rent-debts confirmation) from a previous landlord
Watch out: Never transfer a deposit or 'viewing fee' before seeing the flat and signing a contract. Listings that ask you to pay upfront, or to send money abroad, are a classic scam.
Tip: After signing, your landlord must give you a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung so you can complete your Anmeldung. Ask for it on the day you get the keys.