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Germany · Housing & Relocation

Renting in Germany

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

Germany's rental market is strongly tenant-protected but tight in major cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt), with most long-term unfurnished apartments leased on open-ended contracts directly via portals like ImmoScout24. Newcomers must register their address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt within two weeks of moving in, and the property provider (usually the landlord) must supply a move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) for that.

The rental basics

Typical lease
—
Deposit
3 mo rent
Furnished
Furnished + unfurnished
Mid-term market
Moderate mid-term market
Address registration
Required

Agency fee: Since the 2015 Bestellerprinzip ("whoever orders, pays" rule), whoever commissions the letting agent pays the commission — for ordinary rentals this is usually the landlord, so tenants typically pay no broker fee. Where a tenant does commission the agent, the fee is legally capped at two months' net cold rent plus VAT.

Address registration

Anmeldung (address registration) at the local Bürgeramt / Meldebehörde, required under the Bundesmeldegesetz (Federal Registration Act) within two weeks (14 days) of moving in; you receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) needed to open a bank account, get a tax ID and apply for a residence permit. The property provider, usually the landlord, must supply a move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Missing the deadline is a finable offence (up to about EUR 1,000).

Your rights as a tenant

Open-ended leases give strong tenant security, and in designated tense housing markets the Mietpreisbremse caps the rent on a new letting at no more than 10% above the local comparative rent (Mietspiegel); the deposit cap (BGB §551) and the rent-cap rules (BGB §556d) are set in the Civil Code (BGB).

Good to know

  • Strong, well-codified tenant rights: open-ended contracts, statutory notice periods and capped deposits
  • Security deposit is legally capped at three months' cold rent (BGB §551) and may be paid in three monthly installments
  • Under the Bestellerprinzip, tenants usually pay no agent commission on ordinary rentals because the landlord hires the agent
  • Mature furnished mid-term market (Wunderflats, Spotahome) makes a soft landing easier in big cities for digital nomads

Watch out for

  • Register your address (Anmeldung) within 14 days of moving in — missing the deadline is a finable offence (up to about EUR 1,000) and the registration certificate is needed for a bank account, tax ID and residence permit
  • Big-city markets (Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg) are very competitive, so viewings are crowded and landlords often demand income proof and a SCHUFA credit report
  • Standard long-term flats are unfurnished and frequently lack a fitted kitchen, so factor in setup costs and time
  • Beware rental scams (fake listings asking for deposits or fees before any viewing) and disputes over deposit return, which landlords may hold for months pending the annual utilities reconciliation

Where to look

ImmoScout24ImmoweltWG-GesuchtWunderflatsSpotahome

Platforms are listed for orientation only — we don't endorse or rank them.

Renting in Germany: FAQ

Renting in Germany: FAQ

How much deposit do I need to rent in Germany?

Landlords typically ask for around 3 months of rent as a security deposit, on top of the first month upfront, plus any agency fee (since the 2015 bestellerprinzip ("whoever orders, pays" rule), whoever commissions the letting agent pays the commission — for ordinary rentals this is usually the landlord, so tenants typically pay no broker fee. where a tenant does commission the agent, the fee is legally capped at two months' net cold rent plus vat.). Budget for that as a lump sum before you arrive.

Do I have to register my address in Germany?

Yes — Anmeldung (address registration) at the local Bürgeramt / Meldebehörde, required under the Bundesmeldegesetz (Federal Registration Act) within two weeks (14 days) of moving in; you receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) needed to open a bank account, get a tax ID and apply for a residence permit. The property provider, usually the landlord, must supply a move-in confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Missing the deadline is a finable offence (up to about EUR 1,000).

Can I find furnished or short-term rentals in Germany?

Furnished + unfurnished and the mid-term market nomads rely on is moderate mid-term market. Start your search on ImmoScout24, Immowelt, WG-Gesucht.

Sources