This information is for orientation only. Tenancy law depends on BGB, Mietspiegel, and your Land. For disputes: local Mieterverein or a lawyer.
Housing roadmap
Before arrival (temporary) → Viewing → Mietvertrag + Übergabeprotokoll → Anmeldung → Utilities → Nebenkostenabrechnung
Student checklist — housing
- 6–10 weeks ahead: Studierendenwerk + WG-Gesucht; budget for Kaution + first Warmmiete.
- First week: hostel, couchsurfing, short sublet — do not pay full months without a contract.
- Before signing: compare Kalt vs Warm, cap Kaution, photos in move-in protocol.
- After Einzug: Anmeldung within 14 days; request Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
- WG: written agreement on Nebenkosten, guests, cleaning, Kündigung.
Student dorm vs private market
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Studierendenwerk (dorm) | Affordable, near campus, simple Anmeldung | Limited places, waiting lists |
| WG (Wohngemeinschaft) | Social, shared cost | Flatmate interviews, turnover |
| Whole flat | Privacy | Schufa, income, rare for students |
| Zwischenmiete | Flexible 1–6 months | Anmeldung not always clear — verify |
Where to search
- Studierendenwerk — Public university housing.
- WG-Gesucht — Rooms and sublets.
- ImmobilienScout24 — Main portal.
- ImmoWelt, Kleinanzeigen — Private listings.
- Facebook / Telegram groups — Only after verifying identity.
Indicative rents by city (2026)
Rent for a WG room (orientative Warmmiete). Market is very tight at large universities.
| City | Room (Warm) | Studio | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | €500–800 | €900–1,400 | High demand; Mietspiegel |
| München | €650–950 | €1,100–1,700 | Among the most expensive in Germany |
| Hamburg | €550–850 | €950–1,500 | Port + universities |
| Köln / Frankfurt | €500–750 | €900–1,400 | Competitive market |
| Leipzig / Dresden | €350–550 | €600–900 | More affordable in the East |
| Heidelberg / Freiburg | €450–700 | €800–1,200 | Mid-size university towns |
Contract and rights
- Kaltmiete: “cold” rent — basis for Kaution calculation.
- Warmmiete: Kalt + Nebenkosten (heating, water, lift, waste).
- Kaution: max 3 Kaltmieten, held in a separate Kautionskonto from the landlord.
- Kündigungsfrist: tenant often 3 months (check contract).
- Übergabeprotokoll: photos at check-in/out — essential for Kaution return.
Documents to rent
- Passport / Aufenthaltstitel
- Schufa-Bonitätsauskunft — If already in Germany; otherwise parents’ Mietbürgschaft
- Einkommensnachweis — Scholarship, part-time job, Sperrkonto statement
- Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung — No-arrears certificate (if available)
After move-in
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — From landlord within 2 weeks.
- Anmeldung — Bürgeramt within 14 days.
- Strom — Often a separate contract (compare tariffs).
- Internet — 2–8 week wait in some cities.
- Rundfunkbeitrag — approx. €18.36/month per dwelling (one fee per WG).
- Liability insurance — Haftpflicht strongly recommended.
WG flatmates
- Contract with all names or authorised sublet.
- House rules: Küche, Mülltrennung, Ruhezeiten, guests.
- Split Nebenkosten with a shared sheet.
Useful links
Sources
Price too low + urgent transfer = classic red flag. Use platforms with verified profiles.
Quick reference
In university cities demand is the bottleneck: Studentenwerk, WG and private market compete. German contracts are long and detailed — read Kaution and Nebenkosten line by line.
Student housing
Limited places: apply right after admission. Often furnished, campus rules, good for first semester.
WG and private market
Facebook groups, WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24. Short intro in German helps. In-person or reliable video viewing.
- WG-Gesucht
- Schufa
- Besichtigung
Lease and rent
Scams
Never transfer Kaution before signed contract and keys. Beware “landlords abroad” asking for Western Union only.
Areas and neighborhoods
Student areas (examples)
Utilities and what rent includes
Heating and water often in Nebenkosten; internet separate. Register utilities if the contract is in your name.
Deep dive (optional)
Go deeper
Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.
Rental types (summary)
| Term | Note |
|---|---|
| Cold vs warm rent | Base rent (Kaltmiete) vs rent including service charges (Warmmiete components) |
| Shared flat (WG) | One lease or sub-let rules—read who is liable to the landlord |
| Deposit (Kaution) | Typically up to three times Kaltmiete, often via a blocked rental deposit account |
Rent caps & tenant advice
Mietpreisbremse / local tables
Many cities cap initial contract rents relative to local reference tables—verify postcode and contract start date.
Tenant associations
Local Mieterverein help with increases, defects, and termination notices (often three months).
Utilities & broadcasting fee
SCHUFA & applications
Landlords often request a SCHUFA report or income proof—request your own data copy to correct errors.
This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.