If you’re looking to rent a house, room or apartment in Germany, there are some important details about the German rental market you should acquaint yourself with first.
Rental pricing & requirements
Affordable housing is in high demand in Germany, as house prices and rents have risen significantly over the last 10 years. There is a range of options available, and prices vary according to where you live, with housing in cities such as Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg commanding the highest rents.
Rents in Germany are either “cold” (Kaltmiete - basic rent) or “warm” (Warmmiete - including service charges and some utilities).
You might also be asked for guarantees that you can cover the rent:
Housing types in Germany
There are many different types of housing available in Germany, but more than half of the population lives in apartments, particularly in the larger cities. Expats moving to the federal republic can choose between:
- Apartments: The most common form of housing. In larger cities, up to 90 percent of all rental properties are apartments.
- Houses: Houses in Germany are usually located on the edges of cities or in more rural areas. If you find a house in a city, you can expect to pay a premium.
- Rooms & Wohngemeinschaften (WGs): Shared apartments and houses (Wohngemeinschaften or WGs) are very popular in Germany, especially in bigger cities. Opting for a house share can be a good way to save money and meet new people.
- Landlord hosting: For a more home-stay feel, you might be able to find landlords or families who rent out parts of their homes to students or young professionals.
- Short-stay accommodation: If you're only in Germany short-term, a short-stay rental is a convenient choice, as booking is much simpler and accommodation typically comes fully-furnished.
- Student housing: Students can choose between halls of residence and private accommodation.
Why rent a house in Germany
If you’re dithering between renting and buying a house in Germany, consider these advantages to rented accommodation:
- You are more mobile, as rental contracts can be terminated within three months.
- You are not usually responsible for repairs and maintenance, which are carried out by the landlord.
- You can secure rented accommodation with a much smaller deposit than you would need for a mortgage.
- Renters in Germany are more secure than in a lot of other countries. For instance, it is very hard for your landlord to terminate your contract and they cannot make sudden increases to your rent. You are also usually able to redecorate and make structural changes to your accommodation (with the landlord’s permission).
Choosing the right location
When you start your property search in Germany, you'll probably already have a certain city or area in mind. To narrow things down further, you should consider the following:
- Do you need good access to public transport? Is the property close to bus stops or U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations?
- Is the property close to amenities you need, like supermarkets, restaurants, bars and cinemas?
- Is there anything nearby that is likely to cause noise that might disturb you?
- Is the neighbourhood safe?
- Is the property close to good schools and childcare facilities?
- What is the local community like? What are your neighbours like?
Short-term rentals
Booking a short-term rental is an ideal interim solution if you're coming to Germany and haven't yet found somewhere to live. It can act as a base from which you can start properly house-hunting, and can be easier to book if you don't yet have a German bank account or a work contract. Most places accept instant bookings. Short-stay accommodation is also a convenient choice if you're coming to Germany for just a short time, as contracts are typically short and places come fully-furnished.
Rental contracts & tenants’ rights
Even though tenants are well-protected by the law in Germany, it’s important to get to grips with your rights. As a tenant, you have certain obligations towards your landlord, and they also have obligations towards you. What should be included in your rental contract? Use our rental contract checklist to make sure you’ve got all bases covered.
Rental security deposit
When you rent anywhere, you will generally have to pay a deposit of up to three months’ rent. There are lots of rules surrounding the process of paying, keeping and returning rental security deposits in Germany, so it's a good idea to do your research and know what to expect.
Proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Before you can register your address in Germany, you need to get confirmation from your landlord that you actually live there. That’s where the proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) comes in.
Rental debt exemption certificate (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)
While you are apartment-hunting in Germany, you may be asked to provide a rental debt exemption certificate in your application, known in German as a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung. In simple English, it means a signed form or statement from your previous landlord confirming that you previously paid all your rent on time and don't owe them any money. It proves that you are financially stable and reliable. While having one is not essential, it can help you stand out from other prospective tenants.
You can get a Mietschuldrenfreiheitsbescheinigung by:
- Asking your landlord or property manager to provide one, if you're currently renting in Germany
- Asking your main tenant to provide one, if you're subletting
Note, however, that your landlord is not legally obliged to provide you with a rental debt exemption certificate, and they are permitted to charge you a fee for providing one. According to Immowelt, a fee of up to 50 euros would be considered reasonable.
A rental debt exemption certificate should contain:
- The name of the tenant
- The address of the rental property
- The dates of the rental period
- A line confirming that the rent has been regularly been paid in full and on time
- The name, address and signature of the landlord, property manager or main tenant
You can find multiple templates for this form on the internet. HaufeImmobilien.de has a nice, simple one.
If you are renting in Germany for the first time, naturally you will not be able to get a landlord to sign such a statement. In this case, you can prove your financial stability by providing bank statements and an employment contract.
Subletting in Germany
Plenty of expats in Germany end up living in sublets - often just as a temporary arrangement while they get settled. Equally, lots of people also choose to sublease their own apartments, for instance if they get a short-term job or study assignment abroad. Whatever your situation, if you're thinking of subletting a room or apartment, make sure you are up to speed with all of the rights, rules and obligations by reading our guide to subletting (untermieten) in Germany.
Student housing in Germany
Germany has always been a popular destination for international students, and many German universities have begun to increase their international offering by providing courses in English. If you are thinking of studying in Germany you will also be wondering about student accommodation. Although there are many different options available, demand for places is high, so it’s wise to prepare yourself well in advance.
Moving to a new address in Germany
If you’re moving within Germany, whether to the other side of the country or just a few streets away, there are several administrative issues that need to be taken care of. Who do you need to notify? How do you get your deposit back? Can you continue receiving your post? We walk you through the basics of changing address in Germany so you can rest assured all bases are covered.
Rent benefit
The German federal government makes several benefits and allowances available for those on limited incomes. With rents on the rise across Germany, see whether you qualify for housing benefit (Wohngeld).