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Looking for an Apartment - and finding one!
"He who looks, finds." The thought may be true, but unfortunately it doesn't include the "when." Looking for an apartment in Germany can be a time-consuming and nerve-wracking experience. Whatever you do, give yourself plenty of time to do it. It's best to start the process of looking for a reasonably priced flat before your trip. Living can be expensive in Germany and it's not at all unusual for one-half of a German's salary to go towards paying the rent. If you don't want to have to depend on striking it lucky, you should consider several options for your apartment search.
Newspapers and bulletin boards
There are ads for apartments for rent in local papers, mostly in the Wednesday and weekend editions. You can also put your own ad in the paper announcing that you're looking for a place to rent. Another possibility is to look at the specialized German publications that contain only ads ("Marktplatz", "Annonce"). It's often possible to find a place through your university or institute. Bulletin boards are good resources, and are often plastered over several layers deep with apartment notices. For those who are coming to Germany alone, so-called WG's (shared living arrangements) are often a good option. You can live cheaply this way and meet new people at the same time.
Apartment Finders, University Guest Houses, Realtors
In many university towns there are organizations who will find short-term apartments or roommates for you, for a fee. Sometimes university guest houses have flats available. And to those who opt to find a flat through a realtor, be aware that a commission of two months' rent is usual. That's a lot of money and isn't really worth it for a short stay. However, if it's got to be a realtor, make sure he or she is a member of the German Realtor's Association (Ring Deutscher Makler - RDM).
Hints
Your host will gladly help you in your apartment search. Don't hesitate to ask a colleague or acquaintance for help in formulating the text of an ad you place in the paper or when you sign a lease agreement. They'll be certain to understand your request, since everybody's experienced the hassle of looking for a new flat.
At first glance, deciphering the classified ads in the newspaper might seem like a task fit for a professional cryptographer, but you'll soon learn to navigate the countless abbreviations you see. Here are a few hints to help you along:
- "3 Zi.-Whg" means three-room apartment
- "3 ZKDB" stands for three rooms plus kitchen, hallway, bath
- "ZH" is central heating
- "zzgl. NK" means there are additional costs for heating, gas, and other services.
- "K" is the security deposit.
- "NR" is an abbreviation for non-smoker
- "WG" is a shared living arrangement
- "Kalt" means that the heating costs are not included.
- "NMM" means that additional costs for gas, heating, electricity, garbage and water will be added on.
The Lease Agreement
Electrical Outlets
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