Renting an Apartment in Germany

From apartment search to moving in: viewings, rental agreement, handover protocol, and registration.

1. 1
   Set Your Budget

   Warm rent (all-inclusive rent) should not exceed 30-35% of your net income. Consider additional costs (heating, water, waste disposal) and electricity, which are usually paid separately.

   💡 Also budget for security deposit (up to 3 months' cold rent), moving costs, and potential real estate commission (maximum 2 months' cold rent + VAT).
2. 2
   Search for an Apartment

   Use portals like ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht, Immowelt, or eBay Kleinanzeigen. Newspaper ads and local Facebook groups can also be helpful.

   💡 Respond quickly to new listings — in major cities, good apartments are often taken within hours.
3. 3
   Attend the Viewing

   Arrive on time and well-prepared. Check water connections, heating, windows, signs of mold, and the neighborhood. Ask questions about additional costs and house rules.

   💡 Bring your documents to the viewing (Schufa report, salary statements, ID) — this shows seriousness about your application.
4. 4
   Prepare Application Documents

   Landlords require: Schufa report (from meineschufa.de, 29.95€), salary statements from the last 3 months, tenant self-disclosure form, copy of ID, and possibly proof of no rental arrears.

   💡 Obtain your Schufa report in advance — it takes a few days to get it online.
5. 5
   Review and Sign the Rental Agreement

   Read the rental agreement carefully. Pay attention to: cold rent, additional costs, notice period (usually 3 months), maintenance repairs, and escalation clauses or indexed rent.

   💡 When in doubt, have a tenant association (Mieterverein) review the contract for you (membership approximately 50-90€/year).
6. 6
   Create a Handover Protocol

   During move-in, document the apartment's condition with photos and a handover protocol. Note all damage (scratches, stains, broken equipment). Both parties sign the document.

   💡 Photograph EVERYTHING — even seemingly minor damage. This protects you when returning your security deposit.
7. 7
   Register Your Residence

   Within 14 days of moving in, you must register at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Required: ID, residence confirmation letter from the landlord.

   💡 Registration is free and takes about 15 minutes. Without registration, you cannot open a bank account.