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Finding an Apartment in Munich |
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 Food, shelter and warmth - the basic essentials - that seem
so easy to
acquire in your homeland yet take a different toll here in Germany.
Just like any other part of your new cultural experience, learning how
to get these necessities requires a bit of patience and an
understanding of the way Germany works.
For example, getting an apartment in America is quite simple, some New
Yorkers may disagree, but for the most part one can contact real-estate
agents, look through newspaper classifieds, tell their friends of their
needs, etc., and when an apartment is available that fits the desired
description, a lease is signed and it is rented. Voila!
The lease between the landlord and the tenant is straightforward. It is
for a specific time period (6 months, 1 year) with a lump sum required
for deposit and then it's done - you have a place to live.
Sure you have to notify your landlord of your ability to pay the rent,
this is taken into consideration of course, but not to the extent and
severity that it is here in Germany.
In most countries the tenant has certain rights that secure his/her
living situation even when difficulties arise with the landlord, this
is true of America and Germany alike. However, the difference lies in
the amount of protection granted to the tenants. German courts have an
impressive record of siding with tenants in cases of disputes even when
a tenant has failed to pay the rent for months!
Single mothers are protected to the extent that they cannot be evicted even if they refuse to pay the rent.
Undoubtedly, landlords are cautious about who they choose as tenants.
Rise to the challenge
If the apartment or house is one that you like, you must prove to the landlord that you are the best candidate.
Having your employer write a letter to the landlord stating your position within the company, will help you do this.
On a related note, don't be surprised if your potential landlord
requests a dinner with you or any type of meeting which allows him/her
to get to know you better.
Putting your best foot forward and being prepared for the German
housing market will require some studying on your part, but it will be
worth the time spent when you are enjoying our "Maisonette" style
apartment overlooking Bavaria's finest parks and cobble stone streets.
Here is a check list which will help you in your search:
1. Decide where you want to live. Location is everything. Do you want
to be close to the city center or would you rather live in the suburbs?
Do you have a car or will you rely on public transportation.
Make a transportation plan that works for you. You don't want to spend
all your time travelling. There is more to experience in Germany than
muffled conversations in the Hauptbahnhof.
2. Once you have decided on an area that is right for you, check local
newspapers for available apartments. If you don't have a grasp on the
language yet, use these tag words to help you search.
Apartments for Rent: Mietangebot (Mietmarkt)
Cold Rent (rent not including utilities): Kaltmiete
Warm Rent (rent including utilities): Warmmiete
Utilities: NK (Nebenkosten) -Utilities usually includes heat, telephone
connections, standard cable, and electricity: Heizung, Telefon, Kabel,
Strom
Furnished apartment: mit Möbel (Furnished apartments are rare.)
Room: Zimmer
Efficiency apartment: 1 or 1(1/2)-Zimmer Wohnung
One bedroom apartment: 2-Zimmer Wohnung -Germans literally count the
number of rooms. For example, a 3-Zimmer Wohnung would have 2 bedrooms
and a living room.
Bathroom: Bad
Window: Fenster
Kitchen: Küche
Apartment with kitchen included: EBK (Einbauküche) -It is typical for
Germans to take everything with them when they move - including the
kitchen sink!
The date the apartment will be available for you to move in: ab. 15.5 (May 15th)
3. Make an appointment with the landlord or real-estate agent to view
the apartment. Call quickly. Most apartments are gone a few hours after
they have been on the market. Don't forget to take your business cards
with you and extra supporting materials which will help you stand out
above the rest.
4. Prepare a checklist for yourself of questions you might have for the landlord. This should include:
Warm rent (What is the total you will transfer each month?)
Telephone (Is there an ISDN connection?)
Utilities (Nebenkosten) (What exactly is included? Are their extra
costs such as a janitor (Hausmeister), trash collection fee, or
electricity?) Electricity is rarely included.
Trash (Is there a trash collection fee? What dates is the trash
collected and what does your town require for trash separation?) You
can get this information from your local city hall.
What is the term contract? Do you have to stay 6 months, one year, or two years?
What are the conditions regarding animals? Inform the landlord about your pets and your children.
Television (Is a connection already established?)
Laundry (Where will you do this? Is there a connection for a washing machine or is there a laundry mat close by?)
Storage area (Keller) (Is there a storage area, usually in the basement of the apartment buildings?)
5. Take the deposit money with you. Be prepared to decide to take the
apartment or to pass it at the first meeting. The housing market can be
tight in Germany, and most likely if you wait, it will be gone.
6. Fill out the application. If you were looking at an apartment with a
real-estate agent more than likely he/she will give you an application
to fill out and fax back to them. It will ask the basics such as
contact information and bank information. Fax back the filled out
application and the additional desired documentation to the agent
promptly.
7. Follow up. Not all landlords decide on the spot and thus wait to
make their decisions - do your part to express a genuine interest.
8. Network. This applies in finding an apartment as much as it applies
to other areas of life. Speak to those you know and even those you
don't know. Your dream apartment could be one conversation away.
9. Contact relocation agencies. If you have exhausted your search and
need help, don't hesitate to call a relocation agency. They can easily
be found in the telephone book. Be sure to compare their prices as
well. Of course, there will be a fee but the benefits of having
professional help can be worth it!
10. Cross your fingers! A little luck can go a long way.
By taking a pro-active search and heeding our advice, you will soon
find yourself celebrating in one of Germany's hippest city centers or
relaxing in the quiet suburbs. You will find the perfect residence and
a community of ex-pat friends as well. Germany is a diverse place that
welcomes expatriates from all over the world.
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