Renting in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide to the Application Process

 Renting in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide to the Application Process

 

Renting in Germany can be a task, especially for internationals. However, if you just master a few things like the key terms, budget-friendly areas, the renting guidelines, and documentation as well, you will be all right. We will guide you master all the information on renting in Germany, tell you where people usually advertise their properties, and help you decide on the easiest way to rent an apartment.

First, make sure you know exactly what you want. This will assist you in reducing the number of options, which will facilitate and expedite the rental process. Consider factors like whether you want to live alone or with a flatmate, whether it is okay if your flatmate is a stranger, the city or neighbourhood you are interested in, the number of rooms you need, the floor that works for you, and the monthly rent amount that you can afford. These are just a few of the things you ought to think about before beginning your flat search. There are a few other things you should be aware of, though, in addition to these. Together, let us go over them.

What Does Rent Cost In Germany?

The average monthly rental cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is 850 euros throughout the whole country of Germany. Comparatively, an identical apartment outside of the city centre typically costs 633 euros. These figures are merely very approximate estimates based on research conducted by Number.

The actual cost you will incur is largely determined by the city, the neighbourhood, and the kind of flat. For more in-depth information, see our guide to the cost of living in Germany.

 

Documents Required for Renting In Germany

The rental property listing will specify the documents you must submit. These are the seven most frequently requested documents in Germany when renting an apartment.

1. A copy or scan of an ID or passport (required)

2. Income verification (Necessity)

This could be your most recent three paystubs, your employment contract, or, if you don't yet have any, your bank statement. You can also open your books as a freelancer and display the previous month's earnings.

 

3. A SCHUFA record, which is typically requested

This is your German credit score, which indicates your creditworthiness but not your level of wealth. In essence, it indicates if you make your bill payments on schedule. To help with understanding how to obtain a SCHUFA record, we have penned a comprehensive guide.

 

4. A Mietkostenfreiheitsbescheinigung (Not always requested)

This paperwork certifies that you have always paid your rent on time and have no outstanding debts from prior landlords. Before searching for a new place to live, you can ask your current landlord to complete this form. This is an illustration from immonet.de. Even if you are relocating directly from overseas, you ought to have your previous landlord compose a brief English letter attesting to your dependability as a tenant.

 

5. A Mietbürgschaft (Not always requested)

According to this document, if you are unable to pay your rent on time, a guarantor will be responsible for paying it. This is often only required if you are unable to produce adequate documentation of your income or a steady employment arrangement. Ideally, a guarantor should reside in Germany.

 

6. A letter or application (sometimes requested)

To compare the interested parties more effectively, you should complete an application form or write an application letter. An application letter can help you stand out from the competition even if it is not required.

 

7. Beneficial private liability insurance

A private liability insurance policy (Haftpflichtversicherung) against third-party damages is required by certain landlords. Nevertheless, we advise including it in your application even if your landlord does not ask for it, as it demonstrates your coverage and lends credibility to your application.

 

How can an expat obtain Rentenverlauf in Germany?

When applying for a permanent residence permit (PR / Niederlassungserlaubnis), you will need to show documentation of your contributions to the German statutory pension fund.

You will ask yourself, "How do I get Rentenverlauf," at that point.

As an expat, you must get in touch with Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance) to obtain a copy of your Rentenverlauf (pension record). This can be accomplished by phone, email, or by going to their website (www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de) and utilising their online services.

To request a copy of your Rentenverlauf, you will be required to mention the following information:

·       Your name and date of birth

·       Address in Germany

·       Social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer – which is visible on your payslip)

·       A copy of your identification documents (passport or ID card)

You might also be required to provide more details based on your situation.

Following receipt of the required paperwork, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung will handle your request and issue a copy of your Rentenverlauf. This record will display your contributions to the German pension system along with any benefits to which you might be eligible.

It is time to close the gap between what you receive from the government's programme and what you need each month once you realise that you paid a lot of money but will receive virtually nothing in return. Stocks, mutual funds, and real estate are a few options for doing this.