Living
Renting In Berlin
More than 60% of Germans rent their abodes and many live in just two or three apartments or houses their whole life. For this reason, some aspects of the Berlin rental market may seem odd to anyone used to a more transient lifestyle. For instance, it’s not unusual to rent a house or apartment with a bare kitchen save for a cut-rate oven and sink. Most Germans even prefer it this way. They move kitchen cupboards and appliances along with CD collections and T-shirts.
It’s a good idea to be picky in Berlin. The city is actually knocking down apartment buildings in outlying areas to counteract a surplus of living space. Group showings of rental properties aren’t unusual but don’t let the crowds scare you; it’s likely you’ll end up with the apartment or house you want.
Landlords will require a security deposit on any house or apartment you rent – usually three months’ Kaltmiete, which is explained below. Rent for the current month is always due within the first few days of the month – a lease will specify which date – and you will either have to transfer it yourself or, if you’re renting from a large company, they may deduct the amount directly from your account.
Since Germany has a very trusting culture, you won’t be required to pay any deposits for utilities, as well as telephone or internet service. You will, however, have to provide companies with an exact description of your apartment, which is usually your address, which building and floor the apartment is located in and on which side of the building.
Expect to spend between €500 and €700 for a one-bedroom apartment in the more desirable neighbourhoods and €1,000 or more for a two-bedroom place big enough to house a family. You won’t find a detached family home for less than €1,500 a month.
The best place to look for places is the weekend papers – either the Tagesspiegel or Berliner Zeitung – or online at www.immobilienscout24.de. The Berlin craigslist, www.ex-berlin.com or other expat sites can be good sources for anyone offering a sublease or a limited rental of several months.
It’s a good idea to be picky in Berlin. The city is actually knocking down apartment buildings in outlying areas to counteract a surplus of living space. Group showings of rental properties aren’t unusual but don’t let the crowds scare you; it’s likely you’ll end up with the apartment or house you want.
Landlords will require a security deposit on any house or apartment you rent – usually three months’ Kaltmiete, which is explained below. Rent for the current month is always due within the first few days of the month – a lease will specify which date – and you will either have to transfer it yourself or, if you’re renting from a large company, they may deduct the amount directly from your account.
Since Germany has a very trusting culture, you won’t be required to pay any deposits for utilities, as well as telephone or internet service. You will, however, have to provide companies with an exact description of your apartment, which is usually your address, which building and floor the apartment is located in and on which side of the building.
Expect to spend between €500 and €700 for a one-bedroom apartment in the more desirable neighbourhoods and €1,000 or more for a two-bedroom place big enough to house a family. You won’t find a detached family home for less than €1,500 a month.
The best place to look for places is the weekend papers – either the Tagesspiegel or Berliner Zeitung – or online at www.immobilienscout24.de. The Berlin craigslist, www.ex-berlin.com or other expat sites can be good sources for anyone offering a sublease or a limited rental of several months.
