Housing
5guides
Everything you need to rent safely and confidently in Germany.
How to find a flat in GermanyThe two dominant portals (WG-Gesucht for shared flats, ImmoScout24 for whole apartments), how to write a compelling Bewerbungsmappe, and how to avoid advance-payment scams.
The Anmeldung — why it gates everything elseRegistering your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt is legally required within 14 days of moving in and is the prerequisite for opening a bank account, getting a tax ID, and signing up for health insurance.
Schufa credit report and SelbstauskunftMost landlords require a Schufa-Auskunft (credit report) with your application. New arrivals can request a free annual copy and should know how to build a positive score quickly.
Deposit, cold rent and warm rent explainedGerman rental ads quote either Kaltmiete (cold rent, excluding utilities) or Warmmiete (warm rent, including heating/water/building costs). The Kaution is capped at three months' cold rent.
Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ), energy and internet contractsEvery German household pays the Rundfunkbeitrag broadcast licence fee (~€18.36/month). You also need to set up electricity (Strom) and often a separate gas contract, plus broadband.