The rental market

In large university cities demand is high: always compare the total monthly cost (rent, charges, deposit).

Housing — practical notes

Check the difference between cold and warm rent (Kaltmiete vs Warmmiete), minimum term, notice period, and deposit (Kaution, usually up to three months’ rent in a blocked account).

  • Process — area, total cost, contract, Anmeldung at the new address.
  • Portals — Studierendenwerk, WG-Gesucht, ImmobilienScout24.

What to check in the contract

  • Kaltmiete / Warmmiete — what is included in service charges (Nebenkosten).
  • Kaution — amount and how it is returned.
  • Notice — often three months.

Useful links

Documents to rent

  1. Schufa report (if you are already resident)
  2. Employment contract or proof of income
  3. ID document
  4. Parental guarantee (Mietbürgschaft) for students, if required

After you move in (Einzug)

  • Anmeldung within 14 days
  • Electricity contract if billed separately
  • Internet (waiting lists are possible)
  • Active health insurance

Go deeper

Renting in Germany

Compare cold vs warm rent, service charges, and deposit rules (typically up to three months’ cold rent in a blocked account). Broadcasting licence is per household — one fee in a shared flat.

Go deeper

Operational detail and official links—amounts and deadlines change; always confirm on the competent portal before filing or paying.

Rental types (summary)

TermNote
Cold vs warm rentBase 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

Power & gas

Separate supplier contracts; compare tariffs via consumer advice.

Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ)

Household licence fee—register promptly after moving.

SCHUFA & applications

Landlords often request a SCHUFA report or income proof—request your own data copy to correct errors.

Note

This block complements the guide with institutional entry points—not legal or tax advice.

Trusted sources we used for this content

Public sources such as Eurostat, EU institutions, the Federal Government, Make it in Germany, BAMF, the Federal Foreign Office, BZSt, BMF / ELSTER, the Federal Ministry of Health, DAAD, and German federal laws online. Figures change—not legal or tax advice.