In Berlin, it might be challenging to find an apartment or even a shared flat, particularly if you are new to the area. Here’s a few pointers to help you along your journey.
There are three crucial factors to take into account:
- Where do you prefer to reside in Berlin? Where you can afford to reside can be determined using tools like this interactive article.
- Do you prefer to live in an apartment on your own or in a shared space? In Germany, a shared apartment is commonly referred to as a WG, or Wohngemeinschaft.
- What characteristics ought your new house to have? It’s crucial to take into account elements like the quantity of rooms, the amenities offered, and the floor you choose to reside on. Although amenities like balconies can be great, bear in mind that they may also restrict your possibilities.
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Finding A New Place To Live In Berlin Easily
Be flexible and open-minded: It’s challenging, but true. Although knowing what you want in a new home is vital, your chances will ultimately be better if you are also willing to make concessions! It’s also crucial to exercise patience. It will take some time to complete this process, and it is typical to view many properties before settling on one. Consider it similar to looking for a job; you’ll put out applications, go through several interviews, and eventually the right offer will be on the table.
The most important distinction to understand when comparing rental flat prices is the distinction between “Warmmiete” and “Kaltmiete.” Kaltmiete translates to “cold rent,” and it is the basic rent for the apartment, excluding any additional costs. Warmmiete translates as “warm rent,” and it includes the Kaltmiete as well as additional costs like water, property tax, gas, electricity, and waste disposal services. (In German, these “additional costs” are known as Nebenkosten.)
Looking for Rental Properties
Most landlords or real estate agents now are aware that you are not a Berliner. As a result, they cooperate and schedule a later appointment or an online appointment/viewing for a small fee, for you to see the apartment in detail.
However, in order to get the rental apartment, you must be among the first to apply. Otherwise, someone else may get the apartment because they came before you.
Documents
Before applying for a rental property in Berlin, gather all necessary documentation.
When you apply for a rental property, the landlord will request certain documents from you. The landlord will not consider you for the apartment unless you send these documents.
As a result, you must have all of the documents ready to send to the landlord at any time.
The following are the documents you will require:
- 3 months of pay stubs (Gehaltsnachweis)
- Job agreement (Arbeitsvertrag)
- Document of identification (Passport or Ausweis)
- Rental debt exemption certificate
(Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung): the certificate confirms that you have no outstanding rental debts. Request that your landlord provide you with this certificate.
- Schufa certificate: You can get one in 5 minutes online. You can get it from immobilienscout24 or any other website.
- Liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): This insurance covers the costs of damages caused by you in the event of an accident. Most people living in Germany have this insurance. If you don’t have one, you can get one from check24 or another portal.
- The landlord will ask you to fill out and send a self-disclosure form (Selbstauskunft formular). It includes the rental property as well as your personal information. Before scheduling an appointment, some landlords request this document. Others will request a self-disclosure form following your visit if you wish to rent the apartment.
Apply Quick
Berlin is a massive city. Travelling by train from one end to the other can take anywhere from 1 hour to 2 hours.
Many real estate brokers or landlords host an open house at their rental property. They invite several potential tenants to come in at the same time.
As a result, visiting each apartment is exhausting and time-consuming.
However, you can avoid the apartment visit and still have a chance to get it.
Through sites like Urban Ground, you can schedule online apartment visits and decide if you like the place or not. If you like it, you can immediately book it too. They have numerous apartments for rent in Berlin.
Conclusion
Finding a rental property in Berlin is tricky. It’s particularly challenging if you don’t live in Berlin. But don’t give up hope.
Follow the right steps and you will land your dream home in Berlin easily!