How to find accommodation in Germany: tips for Ukrainians

Finding accommodation in Germany can be challenging for Ukrainians. Find out what documents you need to rent, the difference between Kaltmiete and Warmmiete, which websites can help you find an apartment, and how to get help from the Jobcenter

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Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes due to the war continue to move to Germany. One of the main problems after arrival is finding housing. Finding an apartment in this country is not an easy task, as landlords have strict requirements for tenants and the housing market is competitive. We explain how to find an apartment in Germany faster, what documents you need to prepare, and what to look for, with a link to UNIAN.

How much does it cost to rent housing in Germany

Rental prices in Germany depend on the city, size, and conditions. According to the Immowelt portal, rent ranges from €400 to €1,500 per month. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully, as the price listed in the ad often does not include utilities.

There are two main types of rent in Germany:

● Kaltmiete — basic rent, which includes only garbage collection, water supply, sewage, house cleaning, elevator and yard maintenance.

● Warmmiete — full rent, which additionally includes heating.

Utilities cost an average of €200-300 for a one- or two-room apartment, but the final amount depends on actual consumption. In addition, the tenant always pays separately for electricity, water, and internet.

Rental features: unfurnished accommodation and everyday life nuances

Most apartments in Germany are rented unfurnished. Usually, the apartment may only have a kitchen set, and everything else — wardrobes, beds, tables, chairs — will have to be purchased separately.

However, Germans often throw away almost new furniture at special dumps, so it is quite possible to find free items to furnish your home. Sometimes you can also negotiate with the owner to buy the furniture that is already in the apartment, which is often cheaper than buying new furniture.

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What documents are required to rent an apartment in Germany

Renting a home in Germany is an official process that involves a thorough check of the tenant. The landlord must be sure of your solvency, as it is practically impossible to evict a tenant without good reason.

To conclude a contract, you will usually need the following documents:

● a copy of your passport or ID card;

● income statement from your employer or bank statement for the last three months;

● credit history (Schufa);

● proof of no rent debts, if you have already rented accommodation in Germany.

In addition, you will need to pay a deposit of two to three months' rent and pay the first month's rent in advance.

How to find cheap accommodation: state assistance and online resources

Ukrainians who have been granted temporary protection in Germany (paragraph 24) can count on assistance from the state. In particular, the Jobcenter partially or fully pays for accommodation within the established norms — usually from €400 to €700, depending on the city. If the rent exceeds the limit, you will have to pay the difference yourself.

However, practice shows that state assistance is provided primarily to socially vulnerable groups — families with children, single mothers, pregnant women, or people with serious illnesses. Other Ukrainians usually have to find housing on their own.

The most popular websites for finding apartments are:

● Immowelt

● Immobilienscout24

● Kleinanzeigen — similar to the Ukrainian OLX

● WG-Gesucht — for finding a room in a shared apartment.

Searching on your own is usually more effective: you can find suitable accommodation faster and agree on all the terms directly with the owner. Read more about platforms for finding accommodation in Germany for Ukrainians in our previous article.

Tips for renting accommodation faster

1. Prepare your documents in advance. This will increase your chances of getting an apartment.

2. Be polite and punctual when viewing the property — this is extremely important in Germany.

3. Write cover letters. Briefly tell about yourself, where you work, why you are renting a place — this helps to build trust.

4. Consider smaller cities. It is much more difficult to find an apartment in large cities such as Berlin or Munich.

Finding an apartment in Germany requires patience, but knowing the rules, necessary documents, and resources will help you find housing faster and avoid disappointment.

We remind you! In Germany, obtaining a driver's license has long been a real challenge: expensive training, strict exams, and constant retakes turn the dream of owning a car into a long and costly process. Read why a driver's license in Germany is considered a luxury for both locals and migrants in our previous article.

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