It can be challenging to look for a house to rent in Germany, especially if you have freshly arrived in the country. However, if you can master the process, including knowing the locations that will suit your budget, the appropriate documentation needed, and the country’s rental guidelines, you will get the process right. Visiting review sites like reviewsbird.de will help you locate reputable rental companies that will seamlessly help you go about the process. If you require insurance, you can look out for insurances in Germany. Below the process of renting a house in Germany is discussed. This will ensure that anybody wishing to find a rental house in Germany is aware of the important aspects of the process.
Is renting a house common in Germany?
While in many countries globally, there exist two major sides, for and against buying or renting a house. In Germany, these two options are balanced. Statistically, the number of people renting their houses fall slightly below half of the country’s population. Over half of the residents live in apartments. This makes it hard, especially in urban areas, to find family houses that are detached.
Should one buy or rent a house
In the past ten years, Germany has seen a drastic rise in rental rates and housing prices, with the trend still having an upward trend. The country doesn’t impose any restriction on expats who want to buy property in the country. This makes Germany an attractive investment destination for most expats, especially those who are planning to stay in the country for the long term.
Searching for a rental property in Germany
While looking for rental properties in Germany, you don’t have to pay an estate manager as they would turn out to be a burden to the individual who is letting the property. However, if you want to pay an agent to help you find a rental property, it isn’t illegal. It will offer the advantage of reducing the pressure of having to search the property by yourself.
Finding Furnished apartments and temporary housing
If you are looking for a flat, various platforms can help you find one, including flat-sharing websites, message boards, and forums. If you are contemplating an informal flatshare, it is important that you keep in mind that you will find it challenging to invoke your rights as a tenant if you don’t have a contract. It is legal to sublet in Germany, and if you are looking for temporary accommodation, you can consider going for this option. Some vital tips that will aid you find sublets include looking out among your acquaintances and friends and display boards of real estate agencies. There are various online portals in Germany that permit one to search for furnished flatshares and apartments. Some of these online portals include:
- Homelike
- SMARTments
- Studenten-WG
- WG-Gesucht.de
- Tempoflat.de
- Zeitwohnwerk
- Mr Lodge
Process of Application of a rental property in Germany
Germany is a country with a competitive property market. Therefore, it is essential that when preparing to rent a house in Germany, you ensure you got all your documents in order. Some of the documents that you should expect to submit include:
- The application forms, given to you during viewing
- A three months proof of your income
- Your residence permit and copies of your photo IDs
- Your credit reports
- A certificate from your former landlord showing that you don’t have any outstanding rent due
If by any chance you fail to have any of the documents above, specify on your application the reason. It should be a good reason. The more documents you have, the higher your chances of success are, especially in a competitive rental market, like the Germans rental market.
Tenancy Agreement in Germany
Typically, Germany has lengthy minimum tenancy agreements where you’ll find most landlords requesting a 2-year initial lease period. A majority of the tenancies are limitless, which implies that after starting a tenancy, it can only be put to an end through the court or by giving the landlord a minimum of three months’ notice. The tenant has a right to contest the notice, implying that there should be a good reason for the landlord’s notice. A reason such as an increase in rent rates needs justification and must be done according to the tenancy agreement. There are also limited contracts in instances where there’s a good reason for not continuing renting a property after a specific period. Such reasons include the need to have renewals or extensions or to utilise the properties themselves.
In conclusion, it may be challenging, especially if you are new in Germany, to rent a property. With this article, however, you have a guide on how to go about the process.