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Summary: to rent a home in Germany you must prepare a complete “applicant folder” (SCHUFA report, last three payslips, copies of passport and residence permit, rent-debt-free certificate), respond to listings quickly, and know that the deposit (Kaution) is at most three months’ base rent. Never transfer any money before viewing the home and signing the contract.
Where to look for a home?
- Online portals: ImmobilienScout24, Immowelt, Kleinanzeigen (real estate section) and, for shared rooms, WG-Gesucht.
- Municipal housing companies and cooperatives (Wohnungsbaugenossenschaft): lower rent, but sometimes a waiting list and a membership share to pay.
- Network of acquaintances and Iranian groups: many homes are passed on by word of mouth before they are even advertised.
- Estate agents (Makler): under the “Bestellerprinzip” for rentals, whoever commissioned the agent pays the commission; usually the landlord.
Important terms in listings
- Kaltmiete: base rent without additional costs.
- Nebenkosten: additional costs (water, waste, cleaning, caretaker).
- Warmmiete: base rent + additional costs + heating. Electricity and internet are usually separate.
- Zimmer: the number of rooms includes the living room; a “2-Zimmer-Wohnung” means one bedroom + living room.
- EBK (Einbauküche): fitted kitchen. In many German homes the kitchen is not included!
- WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein): a permit to rent subsidised housing for low incomes.
The applicant folder (Bewerbungsmappe)
- A short cover letter (in German, polite and personal)
- Tenant self-disclosure form (Mieterselbstauskunft)
- SCHUFA report – more in the bank account guide
- Payslips for the last three months or an employment contract; for students: a guarantee or Sperrkonto
- Confirmation from your previous landlord that you have no rent debts (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)
- Copies of passport and residence card
A common rule: landlords prefer your warm rent to be at most about one third of your net income.
Deposit (Kaution) and contract
Under the German Civil Code (§ 551 BGB), the deposit is at most three months’ base rent and the tenant has the right to pay it in three monthly instalments. The landlord must keep the deposit separate from his own assets. Read the contract carefully before signing, especially the clauses on Staffelmiete (stepped rent increases), Indexmiete (increases based on inflation) and the notice period (usually three months for the tenant).
After you receive the home, do your Anmeldung within 14 days using the landlord’s confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
Signs of a scam
- Rent far below the local price
- “The landlord is abroad and will post the key”
- A request to transfer the deposit before viewing, by wire or money transfer services
- A request for a copy of your passport before any real contact
If in doubt, report the listing to the website and inform the police.
Tenant rights
German law protects tenants strongly: limits on rent increases (the Mietpreisbremse in many cities), the landlord’s duty to repair defects, and protection against termination without cause. Membership in a tenants’ association (Mieterverein) for a low annual fee gives you cheap legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum rental deposit in Germany?
At most three months’ base rent (Kaltmiete), which can be paid in three instalments.
Can I rent a home without a SCHUFA report?
It is harder but possible. Newcomers can instead present an employment contract, payslips, a guarantee or the payment of several months’ rent via a reputable account.
What is the difference between Kaltmiete and Warmmiete?
Kaltmiete is the base rent, while Warmmiete also includes additional costs and heating. Always use Warmmiete to compare listings.
Do I have to pay a commission to an estate agent?
For rentals, only if you yourself commissioned the agent. If the landlord brought in the agent, the landlord pays the commission.
To find an Iranian estate agent, lawyer or moving company in your city, see the directory of Iranian businesses.
This article is not legal advice. Last updated: September 2026.
