Finding Accommodation in Germany

Finding suitable accommodation is one of the most important steps when moving to Germany. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the German rental market, avoid scams, and find the perfect place to call home.

🏠 Types of Accommodation in Germany

Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)

Affordable housing specifically for students and trainees.

Advantages

• 💰 Affordable: Usually €200-400/month
• 🎯 Student-focused: Designed for student needs
• 🌍 International community: Meet people from around the world
• 📍 Good locations: Often near universities and training centers
• 🔧 Furnished: Usually comes with basic furniture

Disadvantages

• 📋 Long waiting lists: High demand, early application needed
• 🏠 Limited space: Small rooms, shared facilities
• 📏 Strict rules: Quiet hours, visitor restrictions
• ⏰ Time limits: Usually limited stay duration

Shared Apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft)

Sharing an apartment with other tenants.

Advantages

• 💰 Cost-effective: Split rent and utilities
• 👥 Social: Built-in social network
• 🏠 Larger spaces: Access to common areas
• 🔧 Partially furnished: Often includes kitchen and living room furniture

Disadvantages

• 👥 Roommate dependency: Success depends on roommates
• 🔊 Noise issues: Potential conflicts over lifestyle
• 📋 Shared responsibilities: Cleaning, bills, maintenance
• 🚪 Less privacy: Shared common areas

Private Apartments (Eigene Wohnung)

Renting your own apartment.

Advantages

• 🔒 Complete privacy: Your own space
• 🎯 Full control: Decorate and organize as you wish
• 🔇 Quiet: No roommate noise issues
• 📏 Flexible: No shared space restrictions

Disadvantages

• 💰 Expensive: Full rent and utility costs
• 🏠 Unfurnished: Usually need to buy all furniture
• 📋 More paperwork: Direct landlord relationship
• 🔧 Full responsibility: All maintenance and issues

🌐 Best Rental Websites

1. WG-Gesucht.de ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The most popular platform for shared accommodation.

Features

• 🏠 WG rooms: Largest selection of shared apartments
• 🎯 Student-friendly: Many listings for students/trainees
• 💬 Direct contact: Message landlords directly
• 📱 Mobile app: Convenient mobile browsing
• 🔍 Advanced filters: Filter by price, location, amenities

Best For

• Shared apartments (WG)
• Student accommodation
• Temporary housing
• Budget-conscious renters

2. ImmobilienScout24.de ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Germany’s largest real estate platform.

Features

• 🏠 Complete apartments: Largest selection of full apartments
• 🔍 Professional listings: Many from real estate agencies
• 📊 Detailed information: Comprehensive property details
• 📱 Premium app: Advanced search features
• 💰 Price transparency: Clear pricing information

Best For

• Private apartments
• Professional rentals
• Long-term housing
• Higher budget options

3. Studenten-WG.de ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Specialized platform for student accommodation.

Features

• 🎓 Student-focused: Only student/trainee housing
• 🏠 Verified listings: Quality-checked accommodations
• 🌍 International: English-language support
• 💰 Budget-friendly: Affordable options
• 📍 University proximity: Near educational institutions

Best For

• Student dormitories
• Trainee accommodation
• Budget housing
• International students

4. Airbnb (Short-term) ⭐⭐⭐

For temporary accommodation while searching.

Features

• 🏠 Immediate availability: Book instantly
• 🌍 International platform: Familiar interface
• 💳 Secure payment: Protected transactions
• ⭐ Reviews: Guest and host ratings
• 📱 Easy booking: Simple reservation process

Best For

• First weeks in Germany
• Temporary housing
• Furnished options
• Flexible stays

🚨 Avoiding Rental Scams

Common Scam Types

1. Advance Payment Scams

• 🚫 Red flag: Requesting money before viewing
• 💰 Method: Ask for deposit or first month’s rent upfront
• 🎯 Target: International students who can’t view in person
• ⚠️ Warning: Never send money without seeing the property

2. Fake Listings

• 🚫 Red flag: Too good to be true prices
• 📸 Method: Stolen photos from other listings
• 🌍 Target: People searching from abroad
• ⚠️ Warning: Verify property existence independently

3. Identity Theft

• 🚫 Red flag: Requesting excessive personal documents
• 📋 Method: Ask for passport, bank details before viewing
• 🎯 Target: Desperate apartment seekers
• ⚠️ Warning: Only provide documents after legitimate viewing

Scam Prevention Tips

Before Viewing

• ✅ Research landlord: Google their name and contact details
• ✅ Verify address: Check property exists on Google Maps
• ✅ Compare prices: Ensure rent is market-appropriate
• ✅ Video call: Request video tour if you can’t visit

During Communication

• ✅ Meet in person: Insist on face-to-face meetings
• ✅ See original documents: Verify landlord’s ownership
• ✅ Check ID: Confirm landlord’s identity
• ✅ Get receipts: For any payments made

Red Flags to Avoid

• 🚫 Urgent pressure: “Must decide today” tactics
• 🚫 Wire transfers: Requests for international money transfers
• 🚫 No viewing: Refusing to show the property
• 🚫 Poor German: Landlords with very poor German (unusual)
• 🚫 Overseas landlords: Claims to be abroad temporarily

💰 Housing Costs by City

Major Cities (Monthly Rent)

Medium Cities (Monthly Rent)

Additional Costs

Utilities (Nebenkosten)

• ⚡ Electricity: €30-50/month
• 🔥 Heating: €50-100/month (winter)
• 💧 Water: €20-40/month
• 🌐 Internet: €20-40/month
• 📺 TV/Radio tax: €18.36/month (mandatory)

One-time Costs

• 💰 Security deposit: 2-3 months’ rent
• 🏠 Furniture: €500-2,000 (if unfurnished)
• 📋 Agency fee: 1-2 months’ rent (if using agent)
• 🔧 Setup fees: €100-300 (utilities, internet)

📋 Application Process

Required Documents

Personal Documents

• Passport/ID: Valid identification
• Visa: German visa or residence permit
• Anmeldung: Address registration (if available)
• Photos: Recent passport photos

Financial Documents

• Income proof: Training contract or salary statements
• Bank statements: Last 3 months
• Schufa: German credit report (if available)
• Guarantor: Parent/sponsor financial guarantee (if needed)

Additional Documents

• CV: Personal resume
• Cover letter: Introduction letter in German
• References: Previous landlord references (if available)
• Insurance: Liability insurance proof

Application Tips

Creating a Strong Application

• 📝 Professional presentation: Clean, organized documents
• 🇩🇪 German language: Write cover letter in German
• 📸 Personal touch: Include a friendly photo
• 💰 Financial stability: Show stable income/savings
• ⚡ Quick response: Apply immediately for good properties

Standing Out

• 🎯 Personal meeting: Offer to meet in person
• 📞 Phone call: Call instead of just emailing
• 🏠 Flexibility: Show flexibility with move-in dates
• 🤝 References: Get character references from employers/teachers
• 💬 German skills: Demonstrate German language ability

🔧 Moving In Process

Before Moving In

Final Inspection

• 🔍 Document condition: Take photos of any existing damage
• 🔧 Test everything: Check all appliances and fixtures
• 📋 Inventory list: Create detailed inventory with landlord
• 🔑 Key handover: Receive all keys and access codes

Utility Setup

• ⚡ Electricity: Register with local electricity provider
• 🔥 Gas: Set up gas account if applicable
• 🌐 Internet: Order internet connection (takes 2-4 weeks)
• 📺 TV/Radio: Register for broadcasting fee

After Moving In

Address Registration (Anmeldung)

• 📍 Requirement: Must register within 14 days
• 🏛️ Location: Local registration office (Bürgeramt)
• 📋 Documents: Passport, rental contract, landlord confirmation
• 💰 Cost: Usually free

Insurance

• 🏠 Liability insurance: Highly recommended (€50-100/year)
• 🏠 Household insurance: Protects personal belongings
• 🔥 Building insurance: Usually landlord’s responsibility

🔗 Useful Resources

Official Information

• Tenant Protection Association - Tenant rights and advice
• Consumer Protection - Housing consumer advice
• City Housing Offices - Local housing authorities

Helpful Tools

• Rent Calculator - Check if rent is appropriate
• Schufa Credit Check - Get your German credit report
• Moving Cost Calculator - Estimate moving expenses

Mobile Apps

• WG-Gesucht App - Mobile apartment searching
• ImmobilienScout24 App - Professional rental app
• Nebenan.de - Connect with neighbors

📞 Professional Housing Assistance

🎯 Housing Search Services

We provide comprehensive housing assistance:

Basic Housing Consultation - $99

• Housing market overview
• Website guidance
• Scam prevention tips
• Application advice

Housing Search Assistance - $299

• Personalized property search
• Application document preparation
• Landlord communication support
• Viewing appointment coordination

Complete Housing Package - $599

• Full housing search service
• Professional application creation
• Viewing accompaniment (Germany only)
• Contract review and negotiation
• Move-in assistance
• Utility setup help

📞 Need Help?

Finding accommodation in Germany can be challenging, especially from abroad. If you need:

• 🎯 Personalized housing search assistance
• 📋 Application document preparation
• 🤝 Viewing and negotiation support
• 💬 English-speaking guidance

Contact us for professional housing services.

Last updated: September 2025 | Rental prices and regulations may vary by location and time. Always verify current information.