Key takeaways
  • Cold rent (Kaltmiete) excludes running costs; warm rent (Warmmiete) includes them.
  • The deposit can be at most three months' net cold rent, and you can pay it in three instalments.
  • Landlords often ask for a Schufa report, payslips and ID.
  • Never pay before you have seen the flat and signed a contract.

For most people I help, finding a flat is harder than finding the job. In Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt, good flats get dozens of applications. Here is how to make yours stand out and stay safe.

Words you need

  • Kaltmiete: net cold rent, without running costs.
  • Nebenkosten: running costs such as water, building services and often heating.
  • Warmmiete: cold rent plus running costs. Electricity and internet usually come on top.
  • Kaution: the deposit. It can be at most three months' net cold rent, and you can pay it in three monthly instalments (§551 Civil Code).
  • WG: a shared flat, often the fastest way to start.

What landlords ask for

  • ID and residence permit or visa.
  • Proof of income: employment contract or payslips.
  • A Schufa credit report, which is hard to get when you just arrived. A letter from your employer helps.
  • A short, friendly introduction about you.

A realistic plan

  1. Book temporary furnished housing first. One to three months, where you can register your address.
  2. Search daily and reply fast. Good flats are gone within days.
  3. Prepare a folder. All documents ready as one PDF.
  4. Visit before paying anything. Scammers ask for money before a viewing.

Red flags

  • The landlord is abroad and wants to send the keys after you pay.
  • The rent is far below the area's level.
  • You are asked to pay by a money transfer service before a viewing.

Common questions

How much deposit can a landlord ask for in Germany?

At most three months' net cold rent, payable in three instalments.

What is the difference between Kaltmiete and Warmmiete?

Kaltmiete is the rent without running costs; Warmmiete includes them.

Can I rent a flat before I arrive?

It is possible but risky. Book temporary housing and search on site, and never pay before a viewing and a signed contract.

Sources

Written by Swapnil (Samadhan Mule)

I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.