How to find an Apartment in Berlin?
Eight years ago, when I first moved to Berlin, I was naive enough to believe I could rent an apartment right after arriving.
My very first viewing had around 50 people. The line looked like a concert entrance, and we were all walking through the apartment like it was an art gallery. I had a massive cultural shock.
I don’t want to scare you, but after all these years, I can honestly say it has only gotten worse.
Today, it is not unusual to see 200 people competing for one apartment.
Still, it is not impossible. Here are my tried-and-tested tips to help you find and rent your dream apartment.
If your dream includes no anmeldung and a tiny entrance apartment, you’re welcome here 😄
Prepare Your Documents in Advance
Before you start applying, make sure all your documents are ready, correct, and neatly organized.
This significantly increases your chances of getting an apartment quickly.
You will usually upload these documents to online platforms and sometimes hand them directly to the landlord or organizer during a viewing.
Must-have documents in Germany:
Proof of income. Recent payslips (Lohnabrechnung) or an employment contract
Schufa report (The German credit check)
Passport or ID
Rental references from previous landlords, if available. Some landlords explicitly ask for this, and it is always good to have.
Completed rental application form
Prepare everything as PDFs in one clear folder or portfolio. This way, you can send them immediately after the viewing or even during it.
Start Your Apartment Search Online
From my experience, the best way to find an apartment is through friends or acquaintances.
But if you are new to Germany or your friends do not have an apartment to offer, online platforms are your best option.
You can start with:
ImmobilienScout24: The largest real estate platform in Germany
Immowelt: Similar to ImmobilienScout24, with wide coverage
WG-Gesucht: Ideal for shared apartments and temporary rentals
!Filter carefully by location, price, and number of rooms.
Small but important tip:
Most German apartments do not come with a built-in kitchen. If you do not want to invest in buying and installing one, make sure to select the “Einbauküche” filter.
Contact Landlords and Arrange Viewings
Once you find an apartment you like -or honestly, any apartment at all- message the landlord through the platform.
Keep your message short, kind, precise, and informative. Mention your job, income, desired move-in date, and whether you will live alone.
If you pass this first stage, you will be invited to a viewing.
This can be a private appointment or a group viewing, especially in big cities.
This is your chance to see the apartment and meet the landlord in person.
Submit Your Application Quickly
If you like the apartment, submit your application as fast as possible, either online or in person.
In big cities, and especially in Berlin, the housing market is extremely competitive. Speed matters. If you wait too long, someone else will take it.
Sign the Rental Contract and Pay the Deposit
If you are one of the lucky ones, you will receive an offer and a rental contract, called a Mietvertrag.
You will usually get a draft first. Read it carefully. Ask AI or a lawyer to explain anything that might work against you.
To be honest, you will probably not have much room to negotiate. In big cities, landlords often hold all the power.
But still, try to protect yourself as much as possible.
Make sure the contract clearly states:
Monthly rent and additional costs
Deposit amount
Notice period
Responsibilities for repairs and maintenance
The security deposit is usually two to three months’ cold rent.
Never pay a deposit before signing the contract or without seeing the apartment! This is a classic scam. Believe me, I have seen many people get scammed this way many times.
Register Your Address and Set Up Utilities
Now that you are officially not homeless, relax, make yourself a cup of coffee, and handle the remaining admin.
After moving in, you are required to register your new address within two weeks.
You will also need to arrange utilities such as electricity, internet, and broadcasting fees.
In many cases, water and heating are included in the additional monthly costs, but electricity and internet usually are not.
I wish you the best of luck finding a great apartment with anmeldung at a reasonable price! 🍀
