🏘️ Housing & Tenant Rights Germany

Find apartments · Understand your Mietvertrag · Tenant rights (BGB) · Fight unfair rent increases

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🔍 Where to find apartments

ImmobilienScout24

Largest German real estate portal. Set up instant alerts for new listings.

→ immobilienscout24.de

ImmoWelt

Second largest portal. Good for smaller cities and affordable listings.

→ immowelt.de

WG-Gesucht

Best for shared flats (WG). Essential for newcomers and students.

→ wg-gesucht.de

eBay Kleinanzeigen

Often cheaper private listings. Watch for scams — never pay before viewing.

→ kleinanzeigen.de

Vonovia / Deutsche Wohnen

Major housing companies. Long waitlists but stable rents.

→ vonovia.de

Local Facebook Groups

Search "[City] Wohnungen" or "WG [City]". Fast and direct.

→ facebook.com groups

🛡️ Your tenant rights (BGB)

Security deposit (Kaution) — max 3 months

§551 BGB: Landlord can only demand max 3 months net cold rent as Kaution. You can pay in 3 monthly instalments. Must be kept in a separate account and returned (with interest) within 3-6 months after moving out.

Rent increase cap — max 20% in 3 years

§558 BGB: Landlord can only raise rent up to 20% over 3 years (15% in Milieuschutz areas). Must reference the local Mietspiegel. You can challenge any increase that exceeds this. File written objection within 2 months.

Nebenkosten — only what's in your lease

§556 BGB: Only costs explicitly listed in your Mietvertrag can be charged as Nebenkosten. Annual statement must arrive within 12 months. You have right to see all receipts (Belegeinsicht). Dispute wrong charges in writing within 12 months of receiving the bill.

Eviction — landlord needs valid reason

§573 BGB: Landlord can ONLY evict you with legal justification: rent arrears ≥2 months, material contract breach, or genuine Eigenbedarf (personal use). Many eviction notices are legally invalid. Never move out without consulting a Mieterverein first.

Renovation obligations — check your contract

Renovation clauses in standard lease templates are often legally invalid. You do NOT have to repaint or renovate just because you move out, unless clearly and specifically agreed in writing with valid legal wording. Consult Mieterverein if you receive renovation demands.

💡 Join a Mieterverein — tenant association (~€80/year). Invaluable for any dispute. They review your lease before you sign and fight landlords on your behalf. → mieterbund.de
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