How to Find Accommodation in Germany

🔍 Step 1: Understand the Types of Housing

Before you start your search, it’s important to understand what kinds of housing are available:

• WG (Wohngemeinschaft): Shared flats, common among students and young professionals. Cheaper and more social.

• 1-Zimmer-Wohnung: A private studio or one-room apartment, ideal for individuals or couples.

• Furnished Apartments: Often offered short-term, great for expats or newcomers without furniture.

• Unfurnished Apartments: Standard rentals. In Germany, "unfurnished" often means no kitchen appliances either!

💡 Step 2: Know Where to Search

Here are the most popular platforms to find accommodation:

• WG-Gesucht.de – Ideal for shared flats and student rooms

• Immobilienscout24.de – Largest real estate portal in Germany

• Immonet.de / Immowelt.de – Good alternatives to widen your search

• Facebook Groups – Try searching for "WG gesucht + [city]" or "Expats in [city]"

• Student Housing Portals – Most universities offer dormitories or have listings

📝 Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Competition for housing can be high, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg. Having these documents ready will help you stand out:

• SCHUFA Report – A credit score used to check financial reliability

• Proof of Income or bank statements

• Job Contract or University Admission Letter

• Personal ID or Passport Copy

• Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung – Proof you don’t owe rent elsewhere (if applicable)

💬 Step 4: Reach Out and Schedule Viewings

When you message landlords or flatmates, be polite and brief. Introduce yourself, mention what you do (student, intern, employee), and explain why you're interested in the apartment. For shared flats (WGs), they might invite you to a WG-Casting, which is like a roommate interview.

Try to schedule multiple viewings and visit the neighborhood during the day and evening to get a feel for the area.

💸 Step 5: Understand Rent & Deposits

• Kaltmiete: Cold rent (just the base rent, no utilities)

• Warmmiete: Warm rent (includes utilities like water and heating)

• Nebenkosten: Additional costs such as garbage, water, etc.

• Deposit (Kaution): Usually 2–3 months' cold rent, refundable at the end of the lease

Always ask what's included and get everything in writing.

🧾 Step 6: Sign the Contract

Before signing:

• Read the contract carefully (use DeepL or Google Translate if needed)

• Clarify the notice period and any house rules

• Get a signed confirmation of move-in (needed for city registration / Anmeldung)

🏙️ Step 7: Register Your Address (Anmeldung)

Once you’ve moved in, register your address at the Bürgeramt (citizen’s office) within 14 days. You’ll need:

• Your rental contract

• Confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

• Passport/ID

Without this, you won’t be able to open a bank account, get insurance, or apply for a residence permit.

🛑 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never send money before viewing the place or confirming it’s legitimate

• Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true

• If a landlord refuses to provide a contract or Anmeldung form, it’s a red flag

Final Tips

• Start your search early—especially before semesters or job seasons start

• Be flexible with your first accommodation—it doesn't have to be forever

• Consider temporary stays via Airbnb, hostels, or serviced apartments while you search