If you are looking for your own flat, the rent is only allowed to cost up to a certain amount. This depends on where you live and the number of people who are going to move in. Find out at the social services department ("Sozialamt") beforehand.

High additional costs in Germany

The rent is made up of several components. The "Kaltmiete" (rent minus additional costs) comes in addition to operating costs (e.g. for waste collection and a caretaker ("Hausmeister"). You must transfer the rental costs together with the operating costs to the landlord of the flat every month.

You also have to pay money for heating and warm water. The total cost is called the "Warmmiete". You must always pay extra for electricity or gas, which is directly billed to you by the electricity provider. Note: the "Warmmiete" (rent plus additional costs) is therefore much higher than the "Kaltmiete" (rent minus additional costs).

Flats are usually unfurnished. You must pay for objects that the previous tenant leaves behind. This usually means the kitchen furniture.

When you have found a flat, you must present the tenancy agreement ("Mietvertrag") to the social services department ("Sozialamt"). The Mietvertrag contains all the important information concerning your flat. It applies to you as well as the landlord ("Vermieter"). The Sozialamt will check the agreement. You can only sign it after it has been checked.

Note: You must inform the authorities when you change address!

Tell the Bundesamt (federal office) and your Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) your new address, otherwise you may not receive important letters.