How to Find Apartment in Germany?

Thinking moved to Germany or thinking about moving to Deutsch?  Looking for an apartment or a shared room/accomodation? From paperwork and legalities to apps and avoiding scams there is a lot to navigate. Your apartment search will come to an end after going through this guide. Read Everything you need to know about renting an apartment in Germany, especially as an expat.

Want to learn some German Rental Vocabulary? Download this free pdf

1. Understanding the German Rental Market

Types of Rent in Germany & Key Terms

• Kaltmiete: “Cold rent” is the base rent without utilities.
  
• Nebenkosten/Wohnkosten: Additional costs (heating, water, waste, etc) added to the rent.
  
• Warmmiete: “Warm rent” is cold rent + ancillary costs.
  
• Kaution: Security deposit. In Germany it legally cannot exceed three months’ cold rent.
  
• Provision/Maklergebühr: Commission to a real estate agent (Makler) if involved. If you use an agent, you might pay this fee.
  
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: A certificate from your landlord confirming you live in the flat which is required for registration.
  

Why It’s Tough & What to Expect

Looking for apartments in Germany is like applying for jobs. You have to keep your options open, make your own profile (which you will have to submit while applying on different rental apps in Germany). In major cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg) competition is fierce. Many flats are gone within hours of listing. Being prepared gives you a major advantage.

Note: Because of tight supply, some landlords raise rents steeply or demand jump-on-it responses. 

2. Documents & Legal Requirements: What You’ll Need

Before you apply, make sure you have these rental document list ready. Some landlords will select the first person who sends everything, so make sure you apply soon.

Documents required for Renting Apartment in Germany

• Copy of your passport or ID card.
  
• Proof of income: last 3 months’ payslips, or employment contract showing stable income.
  
• Schufa-Auskunft (credit record) – this shows if you have prior debts in Germany.
  
• Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung: certificate showing you owe no rent arrears from previous tenancy.
  
• Selbstauskunft form: landlords might ask you to fill in a questionnaire about your rental history and personal details.
  
• Residence permit or proof of legal status (if required).
  
• Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): Some furnished flats or landlords expect you to have this to cover accidental damage.
  
• Registration (Anmeldung): After you rent a flat you must register your address at your local Bürgeramt using the landlord’s Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

Legalities to Know

• The deposit (Kaution) must be placed by the landlord in a separate account and you will get it back (plus interest) when you leave, if everything is fine.
  
• Rent increases: If your contract includes “Staffelmiete” (step rent) you agree to a predetermined increase schedule; otherwise increases are controlled.
  
• Apartment Lease termination: Know your notice-periods (Kündigungsfrist). This is usually 3 months for tenants in standard contracts.
  
• Registration of address (Anmeldung) is mandatory. Without that you may struggle with many other things (bank, health insurance, etc).
  

3. Apartment Size, Layout & Budgeting

How Big Should You Go?

• Studios (1-room flats) are common for singles and cost less; 30-40 m² in mid-sized cities is typical.
  
• Shared apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaft) are very common among expats and students: rent one room + share kitchen/bath.
  
• Families often look for 2-3 rooms (2-Zimmer, 3-Zimmer) with 60-100 m² depending on the city and budget.

Note: If you are relocating to Germany and our currently gathering your visa documents, read up the Visa documentation required in your country on the apartment size required. In some countries, the German Embassy will require you to have arranged an apartment before coming to Germany. In that case, you will be advised to rent a particular sqm sized apartment depending on if you are moving alone or with family. You will be required to obtain the Residence certificate from your landlord and present and submit your visa appointment. Please check with your country’s visa regulations.

Budgeting Tip

• Determine your cold rent (Kaltmiete) for the flat, then add estimated Nebenkosten to target your Warmmiete budget.
  
• Keep in mind that utilities and heating costs can vary significantly and may increase.
  
• Consider also furniture costs (if unfurnished flat – “unmöbliert”) and moving costs.
  

Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments in Germany

• Many apartments in Germany are unfurnished (no kitchen, no light fixtures). Furnished flats (möbliert) cost more.
• Sometimes, you will find unfurnished apartments with attached kitchen which your landlord might offer you to buy from him or he might add an extra fee in your rental cost for that kitchen. It’s better to discuss it with your landlord.
• If you move quickly, a furnished flat may be easier, but watch the higher rent.
  

Location & Commuting

• Proximity to public transport matters: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus. Good transport links raise the rent.
  
• Consider neighbourhoods outside city-centre for better value, but factor in commute time, safety, access to basic shops etc.
  

4. Apps to find Apartments in Germany

Useful Apps to find apartments and monitor the market:

• ImmobilienScout24: major portal in Germany.
  
• Immowelt: another large listing site.
  
• WG‑Gesucht: great for shared flats (WG) and sublets.
  
• Kleinanzeigen – the ebay of Germany also great for apartment searching
  
• Facebook groups / local expat groups: search for e.g. “Wohnung München”, “Apartment Berlin expats” etc.
  

5. Renters Insurance in Germany

• Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): strongly recommended and sometimes required for furnished flats. Covers accidental damage you cause (e.g., flooding neighbour below etc).
  
• Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung): covers your possessions in case of theft, fire, water damage.
  
• Legal/tenant insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung for tenants): covers legal disputes with landlords. Optional but nice to have to avoid any mishaps in future.
  

6. How to Avoid Rental Scams & Red Flags

Unfortunately, rental scams are common in Germany, especially in big cities and among expats who may be less familiar with local norms. 

Key Red Flags to Watch

• If the rent is much lower than market rate.
  
• If the landlord refuses a viewing or only offers virtual or “current tenant will show you” scenarios. WG-Gesucht.de
  
• If you’re asked to pay money before viewing or before signing a contract.
  
• If you are given a foreign bank account or money transfer method.
  
• If the person asks for ID or sensitive documents before you’ve verified who they are. settleingermany.de

What To Do If You Suspect a Scam

• Do not send money or sensitive documents (passport scans, bank info) until you’ve verified legitimate landlord/agency.
  
• Search the address, landlord name, and listing online to check for duplicates.
  
• Report suspicious listings to the platform and to the local police if you’ve been asked for money.

7. The Rental Process in Germany Step-by-Step

1. Search & shortlist apartments using above apps/portals.
   
2. Gather your document kit (see section 2) ahead of time.
   
3. Visit the apartment (Wohnungsbesichtigung). Bring copies of documents, maybe a short cover-letter introducing yourself.
   
4. Submit application − often landlords pick the first complete file among many.
   
5. Sign the lease (Mietvertrag): Read all terms, check for “Staffelmiete”, length of lease, notice period, furnishings, any “Mietpreisbremse” or other local rent cap rules.
   
6. Pay deposit + first rent and ensure you get a payment receipt + signed contract.
   
7. Move in and register your address: you will get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord and submit it to the Bürgeramt.
   
8. Inventory check (Übergabeprotokoll): At hand-over, you should check and document the flat’s condition (photos, sign-off with date) to protect your deposit.
   
9. Set up utilities if needed (electricity, internet, possibly heating/maintenance fees).
   
10. After move-in: you’re a tenant, know your rights (tenant protections, rent increases, notice periods) and responsibilities (cleaning communal areas, paying Nebenkosten on time). Take pictures and videos of everything around on the day of your move in case of evidence for damage later if your landlord enquiries about it.
    

8. Summary & Final Tips

• Start early and be ready with your documents because the market is competitive.
  
• Know the cost components (Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten + deposit) so you budget correctly.
  
• Use trusted apps and platforms but stay alert for scams, especially if you’re new in Germany.
  
• Keep your insurance and registration tasks in mind, they matter for so many other parts of your life (bank accounts, health insurance, mobile contract).
  
• Read your contract carefully; ask questions if something seems odd (e.g., unexplained rent increases, unusual conditions).
  
• Consider looking outside city centres for better value but factor in commuting.
  
• Build a good relationship with your landlord/property manager, appear reliable (documents ready, clean record, respectful). This often helps in future lease renewals or references.
  

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I rent an apartment without a German credit record (Schufa)?
A: Yes, but you may need a guarantor (Bürgschaft) or show higher income/other proof. 

Q: Can the deposit be more than three months’ rent?
A: No, legally the deposit cannot exceed three months’ cold rent. 

Q: Do I need to pay real estate agent’s fee (Makler) always?
A: Not always. If you found the flat directly from the landlord, you may not pay it. If the agent was hired by the landlord AND you did not contract them directly, the landlord pays. But practices vary, check carefully. 

Q: What kind of insurance is mandatory for tenants?
A: None legally required for all tenants, but liability insurance (Haftpflicht) is highly recommended  and some landlords expect it for furnished flats.

Q: What to do if the landlord wants you to pay before the flat is available?
A: Be extremely cautious: this is a major red flag. Always view the flat, sign the contract and THEN pay deposit/first rent. 

Moving and renting in Germany doesn’t have to be overwhelming but with the right preparation you can be well-equipped to find a suitable place, avoid pitfalls, and settle in smoothly. Good luck with your search and welcome to your new German home!