Apartment viewing checklist

A viewing is short and often crowded. Knowing the German rental vocabulary and having your folder ready is usually what decides who gets the flat.

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Words you will hear

Kaltmiete — the base rent, without heating and service charges.
Nebenkosten — service charges added to the base rent.
Warmmiete — base rent plus service charges; electricity and internet are often not included.
Kaution — the deposit, legally capped at three months of base rent (§ 551 BGB).
Hausordnung — the house rules, including quiet hours and shared duties.
Übergabeprotokoll — the handover record documenting the flat's condition.

Before the viewing

Confirm the exact address, floor and time, and plan to arrive early.
Check the total monthly cost, not only the Kaltmiete.
Look at the neighbourhood: transport, shops, noise, distance to work.
Prepare your application folder, but do not send sensitive documents before a real viewing.

During the viewing

Check windows, walls and corners for damp or mould.
Test taps, flush, hot water and the heating type.
Count sockets, check mobile reception and ask about internet availability.
Check whether a kitchen is included and whether it stays.
Look at storage, bicycle space, laundry room and rubbish area.
Photograph anything already damaged, with the owner's agreement.

Questions to ask

What exactly is included in the Nebenkosten, and when is the annual statement issued?
How high is the Kaution and how is it paid?
Is the contract unlimited or fixed-term, and what is the notice period?
Who handles repairs, and how are they reported?
Are pets, subletting or home office allowed?
What are the heating type and typical heating costs?

Documents landlords commonly ask for

Proof of income, often the last three payslips.
A SCHUFA credit report.
A copy of your ID or passport.
A short self-introduction (Mieterselbstauskunft).
Give documents only to a verified landlord or agency, and only after a real viewing.You may black out data that is not needed for the decision.

Warning signs

You are asked to pay a deposit or rent before seeing the flat.
The owner claims to be abroad and offers keys by post.
Payment is requested by cash transfer service, crypto or gift cards.
The rent is far below the local level with no explanation.
You are pressured to sign immediately or to skip the written contract.
A deposit above three months of base rent is demanded.

After the viewing

Send a short, polite follow-up message with your complete folder.
Read the contract fully before signing; ask for time if you need it.
Insist on a written Übergabeprotokoll with photos at handover.
Note meter readings for electricity, gas and water on the handover day.
Ask for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung so you can register your address.

Germania Facile provides general educational information and does not replace professional legal, tax, financial or immigration advice. Rules, fees and processing times differ between federal states and municipalities and can change. Always confirm details with the responsible office before you act.