Finding accommodation

For those who come to Germany alone and are prepared to live with other people, Wohngemeinschaften [shared flats] are a good alternative to a place of your own. In many university towns there are also Mitwohnzentrale [accommodation agencies] that can provide flats for a limited period of time on payment of a commission.  

 You will find advertisements for accommodation in the property sections of most local daily newspapers and on the Internet. If an estate agent arranges the accommodation, one‑off commission of up to three months' rent is payable. In most cases landlords also expect a one-off deposit of two to three months' rent in addition to the actual rent. This serves as security for any damage which has to be repaired after the flat is vacated, and is paid back at the end of the lease if the landlord is satisfied with the condition of the flat.

Living conditions

More than half of all Germans live in rented accommodation. In contrast to the situation in many other EU countries, flats in Germany are normally let unfurnished. It can be difficult to find cheap rented accommodation, particularly in conurbations. Rents are highest in big cities such as Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Düsseldorf; they are significantly cheaper in small towns and the countryside as well as in Berlin and cities in eastern Germany. In addition to rental charges, you also have to pay overheads and for your own consumption of water, electricity and heating. You should allow around 25 per cent of your monthly rent for this purpose. Rent must be paid to the landlord monthly in advance. 

In most cases landlords expect a one-off deposit of two to three months' rent in addition to the actual rent. This serves as security for any damage which has to be repaired after the flat is vacated. If you enter into a long-term or open-ended tenancy agreement, the deposit should be covered by a saving agreement in favour of the landlord. In that way you do not lose any interest. When you vacate the accommodation, you have your renewed power of disposal over the relevant passbook confirmed in writing by your landlord. The tenancy agreement also governs the issue of cosmetic repairs, often also lays down provisions on graduated rents, and sets out periods of notice. In the event of doubt, either party may refer to this agreement. In all large towns and cities there are tenants' associations to which you can turn for advice.

Checklist for before and after you arrive in Germany

By law you are required to register with the Einwohnermeldeamt shortly after moving to Germany. You will normally find it in the municipal administration building or in the town hall.

Early on draw up an list of addresses of the people to whom you wish to send your new address, telephone number and bank details, such as your employer, the Krankenkasse [health insurance fund], doctors, insurance companies, banks, relatives/friends/acquaintances, business partners, newspaper publishers, magazine publishers, and automobile clubs/associations.

You can apply for a fixed-line number for your telephone or Internet connection via Deutsche Telekom or other telephone providers. Think about energy supply too: normally electricity, gas and water must be registered separately with the relevant local undertakings. If you have children, find out about nurseries and/or schools in your neighbourhood so that you can register in good time.

In Germany fees are charged for receiving television and radio programmes from state-owned broadcasters. Registration is carried out either on line or by means of forms from the Gebühreneinzugszentrale (GEZ) [Radio and Television Licences Agency], which are available at almost all banks and savings banks.

Reprinted with permission of European online portal Eures.