Renting in Germany is like playing chess on a board you can’t read, with rules no one explained, and somehow you’ve already lost your security deposit. Whether you’re a newcomer scrambling for your first lease or a seasoned expat eyeing a bigger place, these are the worst rental mistakes you can make in Germany right now and more importantly, how to avoid them before they cost you big time.
Rental Mistakes in Germany
Applying Like You Would at Home
You’re ready to apply. You send a nice email, a short introduction about yourself and what you do… and then nothing. Weeks go by and still nothing. and then you check the listing and the place is already rented out.
That’s because in Germany, landlords expect a full rental application folder, which can feel more intense than a job interview.
Here’s what you should have ready:
- SCHUFA report: It’s a credit score document. If you’re new to Germany and don’t have one yet, explain that clearly in your email. If you are not new, you can quickly check your score using this QR code or the link in the description.
- Proof of income: Usually your last three payslips or an Arbeitsvertrag.
- ID: Passport or Aufenthaltstitel.
- Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung: Yeah, it’s a mouthful. It’s a certificate from your last landlord saying you don’t owe rent. If this isn’t possible in case, you just arrived, write a short explanation detailing your situation.
- Personal letter: Optional, but helps. Talk about yourself like a human. Say why you’re moving. Germans love stability, so mention if you plan to stay long-term.
This isn’t about overkill it’s just how the system works. And yes, even Germans hate how competitive it’s gotten. But if you are applying for an apartment with 500 other applicants, then you need to stand out. On the point of standing out, and this essential. You need to be among the first applicants just to get an invite to see the apartment let alone be considered to get it. So having these files ready is a must!
Overpaying Just to Lock Something In
When you’re desperate maybe you just arrived, or your temporary lease is running out it’s easy to panic.
That’s when you end up paying €1,300 for a one-bedroom in a neighborhood where it should cost €900, just because you feel out of options.
But overpaying is a trap. You lock yourself into a high rent, and rent increases do happen, especially if you’re not protected under a Mietpreisbremse (rent cap) clause which isn’t enforced in all cities.
Don’t be afraid to walk away. If something feels wrong too expensive, too fast, too vague or even too cheap its probably a bad deal for you.
Yes, it’s tough out there. But being stuck with a rent that ruins your budget every month? That’s worse.
Ignoring the Fine Print of “Warm” vs. “Cold” Rent
German listings often show two rent prices:
- Kaltmiete (cold rent) which is just the base rent and Warmmiete which is rent plus extra costs, like heating and water
So if you see an ad for €800 but it’s €800 cold be ready for about a thousand euros warm.
And even that warm rent doesn’t usually include electricity, internet, or the German broadcasting fee you’ll get a surprise letter about.
Also know that the warm rent is only an estimate. Once a year, the landlord sends you a Nebenkostenabrechnung which is a breakdown of what you actually used. If your heating was too high? You might owe an extra €200. Used less? You get a refund.
So yeah, that “flat rent” thing? Doesn’t really exist here.
Always ask what’s included. Always ask about the Nebenkosten breakdown. And always set aside a little monthly cushion just in case.
Rental Mistakes in Germany: going for Unfurnished
You see a listing for a place it’s affordable, the location’s good, and it says “unmöbliert.” no problem, right? You’ve got a bed and a couch anyway.
But then you show up… and there’s no kitchen. No stove. No sink. No cabinets. Sometimes not even lights.
Welcome to German rentals where “unfurnished” often means “bring literally everything except the walls.”
You’ll need to budget for a kitchen installation, or find a place where the tenant is selling their old one (called an Einbauküche) and negotiate to take it over. Sometimes they’ll want €1,000. Sometimes €5,000. And yes, you often have to buy it if you want the apartment.
So always ask: Does the kitchen stay?vHow old is it?vIs it included in the rent or being sold separately?
Because no one wants to find out on move-in day that the kitchen went out the door with the last tenant. And some landlords are pure evil. With unrealistic asks. I want to see an apartment with a kitchen. It was small but decent however the landlady wanted an extra 200€ per month just to rent out the kitchen which wasnt even new. So suppose I stayed in that apartment for a year, I would have paid 2400€ which obviously cost less than that and when I left it would have still been a property of the landlady. Which is mind blowing but it does happen. Talking about what should happen, hitting the like button if you are getting value from this video and subscribing also help
Not Knowing Your Rights Or That You Do Have Rights
You’d be amazed how many expats think landlords can kick them out on a whim or raise rent just because they feel like it.
Which is Not true.
Germany is actually very tenant-friendly. Here are Some examples:
- Long notice periods: Landlords usually need a legal reason to end your lease, and notice is often 3–9 months depending on how long you’ve lived there.
- Rent increases are capped: They usually can’t raise rent more than 20% over 3 years (and even less in some regions).
- Deposit returns are regulated: You should get your Kaution back within 12 months max, barring any damage.
If your landlord seems shady, call a Mieterverein (Tenant’s Association). Many cities have them, and they can help you fight for your rights for a small yearly membership fee.
So Don’t let language or fear of conflict keep you from standing up for yourself. That’s what they count on.
Forgetting the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung for Anmeldung
You’ve finally moved in. You’re exhausted. You sit down to open a bottle of sparkling Apfelschorle… and realize you forgot to get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
This is the document your landlord or property manager signs confirming you’re actually living there. Without it, you can’t register your address (Anmeldung) and without that? No bank account. No health insurance. No tax ID.
It’s like a domino chain of administrative horror.
So Always make sure your landlord is ready to give this document on move-in day not “maybe next week.” Without it, you’re officially… nowhere.
Leaving Too Late And Losing Your Deposit Over Tiny Stuff
In Germany, moving out can feel more like staging a house for a photoshoot than, well, moving.
Landlords expect you to return the flat in a nearly pristine condition especially if it’s a private landlord and not a big rental company.
Some things they might deduct from your deposit for:
- Dirty windows
- Yellowed walls (even if you didn’t smoke)
- Not defrosting the freezer
- Small nail holes
When you’re planning your exit, take photos before and after. Clean thoroughly. If the walls were white when you arrived, they need to be white when you leave. It’s that literal.
And if there’s damage? Fix it — or at least talk to the landlord honestly about it. That €1,500 deposit can disappear fast if they feel justified.
Obviously some landlords always find ways to take your deposit. So make sure you read your rental agreement properly and see what you have to do.
Rental Mistakes in Germany: Assuming Subletting Is Always Legal
Let’s say you’re traveling for two months. Your rent is high, and your friend needs a place. Subletting seems like a win-win.
Hold up.
In Germany, you need your landlord’s written permission to sublet even temporarily. Without it, you can be evicted. Fast.
Some landlords will say yes. Some won’t. But never assume it’s allowed just because it feels harmless.
If you’re in a WG, same thing: check your lease. Subletting without permission can cause major headaches for everyone involved.
How to Reduce Rental Mistakes in Germany
Let’s flip the script for a second. Because yes there’s a lot that can go wrong. But plenty of people find great apartments, fair landlords, and places they love.
Here’s how:
- Prepare early. Get your documents ready before you need them.
- Network. Facebook groups like “Expats in Berlin/Munich/Hamburg you name it” are full of leads , even things that havent been posted elsewhere
- Be honest and human. When you write to landlords, talk like a person. Not a resume.
- Don’t ghost viewings. Even if you change your mind. Germany loves punctuality and respect and it comes back around.
- Look outside the hotspots. A 20-minute commute could save you hundreds a month and some peace of mind.
Renting in Germany Is Weird , But It’s Survive-able
This whole renting game? It’s strange. It’s stressful. And it sometimes feels like a test no one told you about.
But the more you know and the more you talk to other expats the clearer it gets. You’re not alone in this.
We’ve all made the same mistakes. Signed leases we didn’t fully understand. Paid for kitchens we didn’t know we had to buy. Spent weekends scrubbing grout to get our deposit back.
But we figure it out. We always do.
In addition to reducing the rental mistakes in Germany. As a renter there are certain things that can help you reduce your rent.
Disclaimer: None of the content in this article is meant to be considered as legal, tax or investment advice, as I am not a financial expert or a lawyer and am only sharing my experience with stock investing. The information is based on my own research and is only accurate at the time of posting this article but may not be accurate at the time you are reading it.