Renting and short-term property
Renting accommodation
Rental accommodation varies widely in prices and availability and can be expensive, particularly in southern Germany (e.g. Frankfurt and Munich). Flats are usually advertised in local papers under the heading "Vermietungen". Under "Mietgesuche" ("accommodation wanted") you can also place your own ad for accommodation.
There are also many private agents who can provide you with lists of rental properties; these agencies will normally charge a commission on any property you accept.
A deposit - Kaution - of up to two to three months rent is usually demanded by the landlord on a rental property. Rental accommodation is usually unfurnished.
You should study the rental contract carefully to see what your rights and obligations are. German landlords will expect the contract to be observed to the letter. For example, tenants are normally expected to redecorate the flat before they finally move out or at least to forgo part or all of the deposit to pay for this. Apart from the rent itself, there will normally be substantial costs for electricity, rubbish collection etc. Moreover, the period of notice has to be made clear.
Short-term accommodation
This can normally be reserved easily and simply through the nearest tourist office (Verkehrsverein). It is also possible to obtain useful addresses of short-term accommodation from notice boards in universities. If you are a student you can find accommodation via the Studentenwerk of your university.
You may also want to contact the local Mitwohnzentrale if there is one in your town. These are shared living centres, often run by students for students or young people, which charge lower fees than normal agents. Applying as a subtenant through a "Mitwohnzentrale" is ideal if you need short-term or temporary accommodation in Germany, until you find something permanent.
