Finding a place to rent in Germany is a lot like going for a job interview — you need to sell yourself, make a great impression, and show that you’re reliable.
The key? Go in prepared, paperwork in hand, and confidence on your face.
Be prepared — landlords in Germany are thorough! You’ll typically need to provide the following:
🔍 SCHUFA Report (Credit Check)
Shows your creditworthiness and payment history — basically proof that you’re a reliable tenant.
💼 Proof of Employment
Usually, your employment contract or recent payslips. It confirms that you have a stable income.
🏦 Bank Statements
Landlords often want to see that your rent will be covered without a problem.
📝 Motivation Letter (Optional, but Helpful)
A short letter introducing yourself — tell them who you are, how big your family is, whether you have pets, smoke, or throw parties every Wednesday (hopefully not every Wednesday 😄). Mention where you work and why you’d be a great tenant.
💡 Extra Tips to Stand Out:
🐾 Add proof of pet insurance if you have animals.
🛡️ Include personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) — it’s something landlords value.
📄 A reference letter from your employer can also boost your credibility and show stability.
A “Schufa” is a credit report. It is a bit of a chicken-egg situation. You cannot get a Schufa unless you already live in Germany.
To get around this you can stay in an Airbnb for a couple of months and then get a Schufa, or say upfront that you don’t have one yet, or look for properties that do not require one. If you have an employment contract, you can also ask if they will accept that.
Simple Germany has a good guide on getting a Schufa
If you’re still figuring out where you’d like to live or what kind of home suits you best, consider booking a short-term stay on Airbnb (or a similar platform) for your first few months.
It’s a flexible way to explore different neighbourhoods before committing — and a lifesaver while you wait for your furniture to arrive in Germany.
📦 For more practical advice and step-by-step guidance, visit our Moving to Germany page.
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The thought of starting a new chapter in your life can bring a sense of thrill, while the idea of going through the process of moving can be daunting. Countless things need to be taken
In general, properties are more expensive in Germany than in South Africa, also when renting. Food and clothing prices depend a lot on where you are buying. Medical insurance is also more expensive in Germany,
The most, expensive cities in Germany concerning rent are Stuttgart, Hamburg and Munich
Here are some cost-of-living comparative sites to give you an idea:
Immowelt.de – a really good source of current information from types of housing, to disputes with neighbours. Available in German
If you’re looking for a temporary home while you get settled in Germany — or waiting for your long-term flat to come through — these platforms are a great place to start:
To buy or rent is a personal choice. Just be aware of the possible hidden costs of ownership.
There was a case recently where owners were charged for fixing the road in front of their properties.
Interest rates are pretty low. Deposits are high.
Simple Germany has a good article on this
“3-Zimmer Wohnung
Die Wohnung bietet eine Wohnfläche von ca. 116,56 m². Diese Fläche verteilt
sich auf den Flur, zwei Schlafzimmer, das Wohnzimmer, das hell geflieste Vollbad, das WC und die Wohnküche.
Die Küche wir nur mit einem Herd und einer Spüle ausgestattet.”
“3-room apartment
The apartment offers a living space of approx. 116.56 m². This space is distributed
between the hallway, two bedrooms, the living room, the brightly tiled bathroom, the toilet and the kitchen-diner.
The kitchen is only equipped with a stove and a sink.”
When looking for accommodation in Germany, be aware of rental scams, which can target unsuspecting renters. Scammers may post fake listings with attractive prices or demand upfront payments before allowing you to view the property. Common red flags include requests for money via insecure methods like wire transfers, landlords who claim to be abroad, or suspiciously low rent for prime locations. Always insist on viewing the property in person, verify the landlord’s identity, and never transfer money without a signed contract. Staying cautious can help you avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
For more info and tips:
We’re not in a position to offer legal advice — but we can remind you of the golden rule: Get everything in writing and make sure you understand your rights as a tenant.
For reliable information about tenant rights in Germany, visit the following websites:
A Mieterverein (tenants’ association) is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding tenants’ rights and offering expert advice on tenancy law, rental contracts, utility costs, and disputes with landlords.
A Mieterverein provides essential support to tenants through:
Anyone can join a Mieterverein by becoming a member (usually for a fee) of a local association in their city or region.
Examples of Mietervereine in Germany
| German Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| die Wohnung | This could mean accommodation but mostly it means an apartment or flat. |
| das Mietvertrag | Rental contract |
| Immobilienmakler | Estate agent, realtor |
| Vertrag kündigen | Cancel your contract |
| das Vermieter | Landlord |
| das Mieter | Tenant |
| Wohnen auf Zeit | Temporary living option. Usually only for a couple of months. Most will be furnished. |
| die Wohngemeinschaft | Shared accommodation. Popular with young people. |
| die Garage / das Stellplatz | Garage or parking space |
| das Grundstück | Land or plot |
| die Warmmiete | Rent with utilities (die Nebenkosten) like heating included. Always refer to your rental contract. |
| die Kaltmiete | Rent without utilities (die Nebenkosten) like heating included. Always refer to your rental contract. |
| die Kaution | Deposit. By law, it may not be more than 3 times the “Kalt Miete”. To get your deposit back can take up to a year. |
| die Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung | A certificate from your previous landlord to show that you have no outstanding rent. |
| Einkommensnachweis | Proof of income |
| das Deutscher Mieterbund | German tenants association |
| das Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) | Certificate to prove that the tenant is entitled to move into subsidized housing. If an apartment is advertised as WBS, only those with such a certificate can apply. |
| die Nebenkosten | Additional charges for utilities and services like heating, hot water, trash collection, etc. This is usually a fixed amount for the year, and at the end of the year, you will receive a Betriebskostenabrechnung, which is a statement of how much you paid and how much you actually used. If you used less than what you paid, you will get money back. Electricity (der Strom) is usually not included in the Nebenkosten unless specified in your rental contract. |
| der Strom | Electricity. If it is not included in your Nebenkosten, you will have to sign a contract with an electricity provider. You can use websites like Verivox and Check24 to compare options. You are also allowed to switch providers. |
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