Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Renting a place

Where to begin?
Looking online is always a good idea, when it comes to price comparisons and familiarizing yourself with the availability in the region you want to live. Just Google "Wohnung mieten" and several websites like Immowelt and Immobilienscout24 will pop up. 

Different costs
You will notice that there are several different cost blocks in the rent: Heizkosten (heating costs) or Nebenkosten (additional costs). Ensure that you make a difference between Warmmiete and Kaltmiete. Kaltmiete means the pure renting cost, without any additional costs like water, electricity, heating or garbage collection. Always look at the Warmmiete, as this shows you your total investment in the appartment per month. 

Normally, the Nebenkosten are just an average amount that you pay per month. At the end of the year the Vermieter (landlord) is coming up with all the invoices and will either return some money (not very likely) or make you pay additionally. This all depends on how you use the water, electricity and the other additional amenities.

In rare cases, the Vermieter will offer you an all-inclusive monthly rate. Take it, if it seems reasonable, then you don't have to worry so much about the water...

Brokers
Consider yourself lucky if you manage to avoid the brokers. Just for drafting the contract, they charge the Mieter (the tenant, i.e. you) a huge amount of money. When I was looking for a place to stay I had to pay almost 2.5 monthly rents only to the broker!
Look for places that somewhere in the description say Provisionsfrei, meaning there is no broker.

Deposit
You will also be asked to give 2 or 3 monthly rents as a Deposit or Kaution. This is normally handled through a savings account in a bank, because you are entitled to get interest rate for this frozen money. The money can only be withdrawn when both parties agree. Every bank offers this service: Mietkautionkonto.

Questions? Leave a comment

9 comments:

  1. So you’re thinking of moving to Germany, or at least you’re curious about the concept? Well, you have come to the right place for enlightenment. Germany is an interesting place to live. The people are friendly, the infrastructure is great, the employment opportunities are currently among the best in the European Union and if you’re into the beer and lederhosen culture you will never look back. I currently live in Dusseldorf and there is a reason why they call the Altstadt (old city) the longest bar in the world. Mind you, I rarely drink. I am partial to the odd bratwurst though.

    In the next few minutes, you’ll learn a few interesting facts that no guidebook will tell you about renting a place in Germany. In fact, if I could turn back time, this information would have made my life on the Rhine… well… less problematic. This is because the first rule you need to know about living in Germany is this: You must follow the system. There are no exceptions. Germany is, above all, a society premised on norms and rules. Some of those rules will leave you scratching your head in disbelief, but they are rules nonetheless. When in Germany, thou shalt not query; thou shalt obey.

    Intermission: Before I continue, I think in the interests of clarity it is best I give you a summary of my personality. I’m Australian born (yes, that land at the bottom of the planet the British filled with convicts). I’m imbued with a substantial dose of the Asian concept of negotiation (yes, that means I consider everything negotiable and once negotiated, renegotiable). Finally, I am infinitely flexible when it comes to the application of rules (yes, that means I bend the rules I can’t break). If you’re an orderly person, Germany will be paradise. If you’re more like me, you’ll need to find some mental flexibility in order to adapt!Read More

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all: You run an interesting and useful blog.

    For pity some disinformation got in here:

    1The real estate brokers in Germany [Immobilienmakler] DO NOT work out a rental contract [Mietvertrag] (this is not their duty, but a job for a lawyer the big companies do hire for; nearly every small /private landlord [Vermieter] or the management company [Hausverwaltung], which usualy regulates the rental affairs for a property owner, uses a standard paper form of a rental contract you can get in the next store),
    and their [Immobilienmakler] fee [Provision] regarding RENTAL APARTMENTS (and privat tenants) - not in cases of renting an office! - is REGULATED BY LAW and CAN NOT EXTEND 2 'Kaltmiete' (+ VAT).

    The dude you described must have been a swindler.

    Greetz from Berlin :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. The average amount that you pay per month. At the end of the year the landlord is coming up with all the invoices and will either return some money (not very likely) or make you pay additionally. This all depends on how you use the water, electricity and the other additional amenities.........

    Student Accommodation in Huddersfield | Student accommodation close to Huddersfield University

    ReplyDelete
  4. You will notice that there are several different cost blocks in the rent: Heizkosten (heating costs) or Nebenkosten (additional costs).

    So there are two additional costs that we need to certain of, before renting a place in German, noted. Singapore Power Services

    ReplyDelete
  5. Erhalten Sie einen schnellen und dringenden Kredit?
    Benötigen Sie ein dringendes Darlehen, um Ihre finanziellen Bedürfnisse zu lösen?
    Wir bieten Kredite zu guten Konditionen
    ~ Keine Sicherheit erforderlich !!!
    ~ Keine Bonitätsprüfung !!!
    ~ Überweisung ist innerhalb von 24 Stunden !!!

    Wir bieten Darlehen für Einzelpersonen und Unternehmen an, die ein dringendes Darlehen für persönliche Zwecke, für die Unternehmensgründung, für Geschäftserweiterungen, für Autokredite, für Studiendarlehen und mehr suchen. Wir können Ihnen die Finanzierung ohne Verzögerung anbieten, kontaktieren Sie uns noch heute. Senden Sie uns eine E-Mail an hullrobertloanagency@gmail.com

    HERR. HULL ROBERT
    ? + 1 (812) 221-3888
    WhatsApp: +1 (812) 221-3888
    Web: http://us-nethullrobertloans.webs.com
    E-Mail: hullrobertloanagency@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Are you searching for a very genuine loan at an affordable interest rate of 2% process and approved within 4 working days? Have you been turned down Constantly by your Banks and other financial institutions because of bad credit? Loans ranging from $5000 USD to $20, 000, 000 USD maximum LOANS for Developing business a competitive edge / business expansion. We are certified, trustworthy, reliable, efficient, Fast and dynamic for real estate and any kinds of business financing. Contact us for more details and information.
    Thanks & Regard
    Call/Whats App+918130061433
    Indiabulls Housing Finance Pvt Ltd
    E-mail: bullsindia187@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Are you searching for a very genuine loan at an affordable interest rate of 2% process and approved within 4 working days? Have you been turned down Constantly by your Banks and other financial institutions because of bad credit? Loans ranging from $5000 USD to $20, 000, 000 USD maximum LOANS for Developing business a competitive edge / business expansion. We are certified, trustworthy, reliable, efficient, Fast and dynamic for real estate and any kinds of business financing. Contact us for more details and information.
    Thanks & Regard
    Call/Whats App+918130061433
    Indiabulls Housing Finance Pvt Ltd
    E-mail: bullsindia187@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete



  8. Getting a legitimate loan have always been a big problem
    for customers who have financial needs. The theme of
    credit and guarantees are something that customers are always
    interested in seeking a loan from a lender
    legitimate. But trade finance services. fact
    a difference in the lending industry.
    Trade Finance Services. was credited by the creditor
    to give loans to local and international clients. We
    the privilege of meeting your financial needs. The theme of
    credit should not stop you from getting the loan you need.
    Our services include the following: -
    * Investor Loans
    * Debt Consolidation
    * Second Mortgage
    * Business Loans
    * Personal Loans
    * International Loan
    Please complete the following requirements:
    * Loans Amount Required:
    * Loans Term:
    * Loans Purpose:
    * City / State:
    * Country:
    bullsindia187@gmail.com WhatsApp +918130061433
    Social security and no credit check, 100% Guarantee.
    All you have to do is let us know exactly what
    and certainly want to make your dream come true. Services
    Commercial Finance. We say yes when banks say
    NO. Finally, a loan fund for small scale,
    intermediaries, small scale financial institutions
    who have unlimited capital.For more details go about purchasing a loan: Please
    respond immediately to this
    e-mail:bullsindia187@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete



  9. Getting a legitimate loan have always been a big problem
    for customers who have financial needs. The theme of
    credit and guarantees are something that customers are always
    interested in seeking a loan from a lender
    legitimate. But trade finance services. fact
    a difference in the lending industry.
    Trade Finance Services. was credited by the creditor
    to give loans to local and international clients. We
    the privilege of meeting your financial needs. The theme of
    credit should not stop you from getting the loan you need.
    Our services include the following: -
    * Investor Loans
    * Debt Consolidation
    * Second Mortgage
    * Business Loans
    * Personal Loans
    * International Loan
    Please complete the following requirements:
    * Loans Amount Required:
    * Loans Term:
    * Loans Purpose:
    * City / State:
    * Country:
    bullsindia187@gmail.com WhatsApp +918130061433
    Social security and no credit check, 100% Guarantee.
    All you have to do is let us know exactly what
    and certainly want to make your dream come true. Services
    Commercial Finance. We say yes when banks say
    NO. Finally, a loan fund for small scale,
    intermediaries, small scale financial institutions
    who have unlimited capital.For more details go about purchasing a loan: Please
    respond immediately to this
    e-mail:bullsindia187@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete