Deposit, cold rent and warm rent explained

German 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.

Key points to understand

Kaltmiete: base rent only; Warmmiete adds Nebenkosten (heating, water, building maintenance)

Kaltmiete: base rent only; Warmmiete adds Nebenkosten (heating, water, building maintenance). In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Kaution is legally capped at three cold-rent months and must be held in a separate account

Kaution is legally capped at three cold-rent months and must be held in a separate account. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Request a Nebenkostenabrechnung annually — you may get a refund or owe extra

Request a Nebenkostenabrechnung annually — you may get a refund or owe extra. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.