How a temporary rental can help you when moving to Germany

Moving to a new country is not easy. Daniella Subuola from online booking platform Spotahome explains why booking a temporary rental property can help you have the smoothest transition into making Germany your home and ensure you do not spend more money than you need to. 

Moving to a new country can be nerve-wracking as you have to accustom yourself to a new culture and possibly even a new language. Germany is a country with a lot of history and a very diverse landscape, from forests to alpine peaks to dense cities - this means you have a lot of choice when it comes to finding a new home in a part of the country that suits you. 

Finding your new home

You may have decided to move to Germany, but you may not have decided how long you want to stay - or where exactly you want to live. A temporary rental allows you the freedom and flexibility to stay in a location for the amount of time you decide.

If you’re not sure which neighbourhood is right for you, or you don’t like the one you’re in, you have no obligation to stay in that home for a prolonged period of time. This allows you to explore different neighbourhoods and cities with ease. 

Getting a contract and asking questions

This is where you can end up losing money. Some people will find housing on sites that are not safe and may be caught up in scams. Get as much information about the property as possible in order to avoid scams and fake advertisements.

Alternatively, you might not be offered a contract by your new landlord. This might seem like a good idea - after all, avoiding paperwork is a good thing, right? - but there have been many instances where the tenant did not receive what they were promised pertaining to the home. Or, the tenant leaves the home and the landlord charges unexpected fees. 

Protect yourself and find a home that offers you a contract with clear rules and permissions. In terms of the contract, never assume what you are permitted to do within your home or what the landlord permits. Always ask, and even get the landlord to provide a guideline in the form of a contract, in order to avoid any complications. Because what you expect may not be the norm in Germany, always ask questions to avoid disappointment.

Helping to minimise bureaucracy 

While temporary homes require documentation, they do not come with quite the same extensive list of requirements as a long-term let (which can range from credit checks to employment contracts and payslips, and pretty much everything in between). All you will need is proof of income and personal ID (either a passport or ID card), and you are all set to go to the home you want to make your own with no delays.

Getting your registration (Anmeldung)

Most German residents will need to get an Anmeldung shortly after moving into their new home. This is a process during which you register your new home as your official address in Germany. Simply put: you basically do not exist in Germany unless you have an official registration. It is the key to accessing services within Germany such as getting a phone contract, setting up a bank account, receiving a tax ID, and even setting up an internet connection within your home.

Not all homes allow you to register there, and this can cause issues, as if you are an expat you will almost certainly need this piece of paperwork. You don’t want to move into a place only to find out later that you can’t register there - if you have to move, you might even breach your contract. This can cost you time and money you did not anticipate.

Depending on the length of your stay, you should identify whether the possibility to register is something you need from your new home. If you intend to live in Germany for more than three months, we highly suggest you find a home that can offer this. In contrast to hotels or holiday lets, many short-term lets also offer the possibility of registering there, allowing you to start your life in Germany easily and without additional stress.

Using a trusted company to find your home

While away from your native country, it can be daunting to try to find a new home and ensure you are not scammed while you are making a big commitment.

Working with a trusted company gives you extra peace of mind - many companies, for instance, offer secure payments and deposit protection, as well as cancellation cover and additional support. 

Every tenant that books with Spotahome gets full support: Secure payments, 24 hours of after-arrival protection, and a cancellation policy that is standard for all homes, so you can make a safe decision. If you are moving to Germany and want a safe and secure place to call home, trusted by many, try Spotahome!