Living

Rented flat:

Rented flats are the most common form of housing in Germany. You rent a flat from a private landlord - or alternatively from a housing association or housing co-operative. You pay a monthly basic rent plus ancillary costs (e.g. for heating, water, waste disposal). A written tenancy agreement is usually required. Most rental flats are unfurnished. Size, furnishings, location and price can vary greatly - depending on whether you are looking in the city or in a rural area.

Shared flat (WG):

In a shared flat, you live together with other people in a flat. You have your own room, but you share the kitchen, bathroom and often the living room. This form of accommodation is particularly popular with students and young professionals because it is cheaper than having your own flat. If you are looking for an open and communal form of living , a shared flat may suit you well.

Co-living:

Co-living is a modern form of living where you can rent furnished rooms or flats while sharing communal areas such as kitchens, lounges or coworking areas with other residents. Operators are usually commercial companies that run "co-living houses" with furnished units and services. This form of living is particularly popular with young professionals, young professionals and students who want flexible and uncomplicated living. The rent is usually a flat rate (including electricity, heating, internet, etc.) and there are often communal activities or events. You don't need any furniture and can usually move in straight away.

Onboarding houses:

An onboarding house is a special form of accommodation for trainees and skilled workers who are new to Germany - often in connection with a new employment contract. Many onboarding houses are provided by the employer or by integration programmes . In contrast to co-living, the focus here is on arrival and initial orientation. You not only get a furnished flat or room, but often also practical support, for example with visits to the authorities, language courses, registering your place of residence or finding your way around the city. The rental period is usually limited to a few months until you have found a long-term accommodation solution.

Owner-occupied flat or home:

If you want to stay in Germany long-term and have sufficient financial means , you can buy a flat or house. In this case, you are the owner of the property. The purchase requires a notary appointment and an entry in the land register. This form of accommodation offers you a lot of independence, but is usually not the first step for new arrivals.

If you have found an interesting flat, it is customary in Germany to write to the landlord or property manager by e-mail. In the e-mail, you should introduce yourself briefly and in a friendly manner. State your name, age, profession and perhaps also how long you have been in Germany.

Then explain why you want to move - for example, because your current flat is too small or you have just moved to the city - and who you would like to move in with. Describe in a few sentences why you like this particular flat, for example because of the location, the size or because it's a good fit for work. You can then politely ask for a viewing appointment and end the email in a friendly manner, for example with: "Thank you very much and I look forward to hearing from you."

In Germany, it is customary to enclose a few documents with the application or bring them with you to the flat viewing, see checklist.

Before you rent a flat, there are some important points to consider that will help you to understand the tenancy agreement properly and avoid any future ambiguities. Below you will find important information on the central topics of a tenancy agreement. You can find further information on this topic here.

Tenancyagreement:
If you decide in favour of the flat after viewing it, the landlord or landlady will offer you a tenancy agreement. Read this contract carefully before you sign it, especially the rental conditions, contract term (fixed-term and open-ended rental contracts) and cancellation periods. In most cases, the flat will be unfurnished when you move in.

Cancellation periods:

• If you are giving notice as a tenant: As a rule, the statutory cancellation period is three months to the end of the month and is independent of the rental period. Notice of termination must be given in writing and must be received by the landlord no later than the third working day of the month in order for this month to be counted.
• If the landlord gives notice: The notice period depends on the duration of the tenancy - for tenancies of up to five years, the notice period is usually three months. You can find more detailed information on this website.

Deposit:
In Germany, it is usual for you to pay a deposit of 2 to 3 months' rent. This serves as security for the landlord and will be returned to you at the end of the tenancy if no damage has occurred in the flat.

Rent payment:
If you rent a flat in Germany, you must pay service charges in addition to the rent. The difference between cold and warm rent is important: Kaltmiete is the amount you pay just for the use of the flat. The warm rent includes the cold rent plus the ancillary costs (also known as operating costs), such as heating, water and rubbish collection. When looking for a flat, make sure you know the exact monthly costs. You should always pay the rent on time at the beginning of the month - preferably by standing order to your bank. You usually pay for electricity separately - you have to sign a contract with an energy supplier for this yourself. Internet and television (e.g. cable connection or streaming services) are also often not included in the rent and must be booked and paid for separately with a provider of your choice. Compare the offers here carefully to find suitable and favourable tariffs.

In Münsterland, waste separation is an essential part of the environmentally conscious culture. There are clear rules on how waste should be correctly separated and disposed of in order to promote recycling and protect the environment.

As a rule, various bins or containers are available for this purpose, each intended for specific types of waste. Incorrect filling can not only have ecological disadvantages, but can also lead to additional costs.