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Summary: renting a home in Germany’s big cities is competitive. If you have your documents ready and know the main rules on the contract, deposit and additional costs, you have a better chance of being accepted and are less likely to fall for tricks and scams.
Common documents for a rental application
- Selbstauskunft: a form introducing yourself (name, job, number of occupants, pets)
- Proof of income: usually the last three payslips or an employment contract
- SCHUFA-Auskunft: credit report; see the SCHUFA guide
- Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung: confirmation of no rent debt from your previous landlord (if possible)
- Copy of ID and residence permit
What are Kaltmiete and Warmmiete?
“Kaltmiete” is the net rent without additional costs, and “Warmmiete” is the net rent plus the advance payment for additional costs (Nebenkosten) such as water, waste, stairwell cleaning and heating. When comparing listings always look at the Warmmiete and check whether electricity and internet are separate.
The deposit (Kaution)
By law the deposit is at most three times the Kaltmiete. You can pay it in three monthly instalments. The landlord must keep the deposit separate from his own assets in a special account and return it with interest after the tenancy ends and accounts are settled. Never pay the deposit in cash without a receipt.
The rental contract: key points
- Contract term: most contracts are open-ended (unbefristet); a fixed-term contract is allowed only in special circumstances.
- Rent level: in many cities the “Mietpreisbremse” and the “Mietspiegel” limit rent in tight markets.
- Handover: when you move in, fill in the handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll) carefully and with photos.
- Repairs and painting: many clauses on Schönheitsreparaturen in older contracts are legally void; ask before signing.
Additional costs and the annual statement
The landlord must provide a “Nebenkostenabrechnung” every year, and it must reach the tenant within 12 months at the latest after the end of the relevant period. If it is sent later, the landlord usually cannot claim any extra amount. You can inspect the records and object if anything is unclear.
Terminating the contract
The tenant can usually terminate the tenancy with three months’ written notice. The landlord needs a legal reason to terminate (such as Eigenbedarf), and his notice periods increase with the length of the tenancy. Tenant protection in Germany is strong; in a dispute you can turn to the “Mieterverein” (tenants’ association).
Warning: fake listings and scams
If you see a listing for a beautiful home at a low price and the owner says he is abroad and will send the key after an “advance payment”, it is almost certainly a scam. Never pay a deposit or advance rent before viewing the home and signing the contract, and never pay through anonymous money transfer services.
After moving in
After moving in, register your address within the 14-day deadline and arrange energy and internet contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Can the landlord raise the rent at any time?
A rent increase must be in writing, observe the legal deadlines and limits, and usually refer to the Mietspiegel or official indices.
Can I keep a pet?
It depends on the contract and the type of animal; for dogs and cats it is better to get written permission before signing.
Note: this guide is general information (last reviewed: October 2026) and is no substitute for legal or financial advice. Rules and amounts may change; before acting, consult the official website of the relevant body or an advisor.
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