Renting a home in Germany is the first challenge for newcomers, especially in major cities. Renting a home in Germany has its own competitive process. This article is a guide for newcomers.
Renting a home in Germany: the rental market
Renting a home in Germany is very competitive in major cities such as München, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. Newcomers often rent a temporary WG (Wohngemeinschaft—shared flat) or Airbnb before finding a long-term place.
Main housing types: a private flat (Wohnung), a WG (shared flat), and a house (Haus). Rent is priced per m2, varying by city. München is the most expensive at 18-25 EUR/m2/month, Berlin 12-18 EUR, and smaller cities 8-12 EUR. Prices are usually listed as kalt (excluding utilities) or warm (including utilities).
Quy trình thuê
The typical process: search listings on ImmoScout24, WG-Gesucht, or Immowelt; write an application letter to view the property (including SCHUFA, employment contract, last 3 payslips); attend a viewing alongside many other applicants (Besichtigung); the landlord selects a tenant; sign the contract (Mietvertrag) and pay a deposit (Kaution) of 2-3 months’ rent.
A complete rental application significantly improves your chances. Newcomers without a SCHUFA (German credit report) may be at a disadvantage. Some providers such as CrediReform offer temporary solutions.
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and important notes
After signing the lease, the landlord must issue a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (a landlord confirmation for the tenant), a document required for Anmeldung. This should be agreed with the landlord before signing the contract.
Rental contracts in Germany are usually indefinite (unbefristet) and offer strong legal protection to tenants. A landlord cannot easily terminate a contract if the tenant pays on time. Rent increases are also limited by law.
You should refer to Make it in Germany and trang Bo Noi vu Lien bang Duc to check current conditions.
Summary
Renting in Germany is competitive in major cities (München, Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg). Types: private flat, WG, house. Prices are per m2, kalt or warm. Process: search listings, apply for viewings, pay a 2-3 month deposit, sign the Mietvertrag. A Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is needed for Anmeldung. Indefinite contracts protect tenants. You should prepare a complete rental application.
