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Charges and side costs

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 take 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" (lt. "warm rent"), it usually means these costs are already included.

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

Important: Electricity and internet prices are, most of the time, NOT included. Take a look at our Energy Providers 101 page.

Deposit

If you rent an accommodation, you will generally have to provide a deposit amounting to 2 or 3 months’ rent when you move in.

After you move out, the deposit will be returned to you within 3 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 the size of the rooms that can be used, the utilities, and how a notice (Kündigung) must be given if you plan to leave the flat (usually three months in advance).

Obligations in the rental contract

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

It is common to agree on cleaning of the stairs/hall on a regular basis and alternating with the other tenants in the house or clear snow from paths around the house in winter.

Many rental contracts incorporate these into the side 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 neighbours in advance.

You cook?

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

Number of rooms in Germany

The number of rooms in Germany refers to the TOTAL amount of rooms. If you are coming from a country where you consider the living room as “+1”, it could be different. E.g: A flat has two bedrooms, one living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. In Germany -> It is a 3 room flat. In other countries it could be -> A 2+1 flat. (2 bedrooms + 1 living room)

Don't forget!

After you sign your contract, don't forget to also ask for the “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung” - a signed affirmation of your property owner! You will need this to be able to register with the local authority.

If you are planning to have a pet, please check with your landlord if pets are allowed.

Click here for keywords for rental-hunt in Germany

Nebenkosten (NK) → lt. "Side costs", usually up to 25% of the total rent
Warm, Warmmiete → lt. "Warm rent", the price where sidecosts are already included. Usually does not include electricity or internet.
Kalt, Kaltmiete → lt. "Cold rent", the naked price, where sidecosts are not considered.
ZKB (Zimmer, Küche, Bad) → "Room, Kitchen, Bathroom", something you will see on most of the postings.
EBK (Einbauküche) → This means the kitchen is already built in. In Germany, most flats don't come with an equipped kitchen, so beware!
Miethöhe → The amount of rent
Mietdauer → lt. "Rent length" , the rental term
Kündigung → Notice (e.g the notice you are giving when you want to terminate your contract)

Now what?

You have a place to live now? Great! Then it is time for the Registration with the local authority.

Hints before you sign a rental contract