Hints Before You Sign a Rental Contract

It is usual to have waste disposal, water and heating, as well as facility management costs included in the rent in Germany. These charges generally amount to up to 25% of the total rent and are called Nebenkosten (NK).

• While looking for a flat, if you see that the price says "Warm" or "Warmmiete" (lit. "warm rent"), it usually means these costs are already included.

• When it says "Kalt" or "Kaltmiete" (lit. "cold rent"), it means the additional costs are not included in the price mentioned.

• Important: Electricity and internet costs are usually NOT included. Take a look at our Energy Providers 101 page.

• If you rent accommodation, you will generally have to provide a deposit amounting to two or three months’ rent when you move in.

• After you move out, the deposit will be returned to you within three months, as long as there is no damage to the apartment.

• By signing the contract, you agree to comply with its terms, which set the amount of rent to be paid (Miethöhe), the rental term (Mietdauer), the number and size of the rooms that can be used, the utilities, and how notice (Kündigung) must be given if you plan to leave the flat (usually three months in advance).

• The rental contract may include special rules for the house, often called the Hausordnung.

• It is common for tenants to agree to clean the stairs or hall regularly, alternating with the other tenants in the house, or to clear snow from paths around the house in winter.

• Many rental contracts include these services in the additional costs, and the work is done by a facility manager (Hausmeister) or a service company.

• Most contracts specify that excessive noise should be avoided between 22:00 and 07:00. If you are planning a party that might be a little loud and go on a little late, you should warn your neighbors in advance.

Please keep in mind that, in Germany, most flats don’t come with an equipped kitchen. Look for "EBK" (Einbauküche) when looking for a flat. This means that it will have a built-in kitchen!

The number of rooms in Germany refers to the TOTAL number of rooms. If you are coming from a country where the living room is considered “+1”, the way rooms are counted may be different. For example, a flat has two bedrooms, one living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. In Germany, this is a 3-room flat. In other countries, it could be described as a 2+1 flat (2 bedrooms + 1 living room).

After you sign your contract, don’t forget to also ask for the “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung”—a signed confirmation from your landlord. You will need this to register with the local authority.