Paperwork & important stuff

Interim rent in Berlin

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

What is the difference between temporary accommodation and interim rent? For temporary accommodation, you rent a furnished apartment that has been furnished exclusively for this purpose. In the case of an interim lease, a furnished private apartment is rented during the absence of the main tenant. The intermediate rental apartment is not available permanently, but only until the landlord returns. As a tenant you therefore have to be flexible. However, apartments for interim rent often have the advantage of being cheaper than temporary apartments.

The German license fee or “Rundfunkbeitrag” for temporary tenants

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

As a temporary tenant you can normally count on everything being covered in your warm rent with one exception - the license fee, or "Rundfunkbeitrag". If you've received this letter in your furnished apartment and don't know what to do with it don't toss it away! Instead follow our quick guide to what exactly it is, why you've received it - and if you should be paying it.

Deposit for furnished Flats. Questions and Answers

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

All questions and answers regarding the deposit, which is obligatory if you rent a furnished apartment in Berlin. What is a normal deposit for a furnished apartment, when does the tenant have to pay the deposit, when is the deposited normally refunded? How can a tenant of a furnished flat make sure that he will receive the full deposit after he has moved out?

Renting a furnished Flat: what Requirements must the Tenant fulfill?

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

Can anybody who moves to Berlin rent a temporary furnished apartment? In Berlin, there are different kind of apartments. There are apartments which can be rented on a daily or weekly basis. These holiday lets can be rented by tourists. Furnished apartments have a minimum rental period which is 2 months or longer. These furnished apartments are only rented out to tenants who move to Berlin and who work here. As a tenant, you need a working contract and you have to hand it before you get a rental agreement.

How to Get a SCHUFA in Berlin - compulsory if you rent unfurnished

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

A SCHUFA is not necessary, if you move to Berlin and if you want to rent a temporary furnished apartment. But you will need this document as soon as you want to move on and get your own unfurnished flat. How do you get a SCHUFA, how long does it take to get a SCHUFA after you have opened a bank account, what does it cost? We have called the SCHUFA for you - here are all information you need.

When does the tenant have to pay VAT?

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

When tenants of furnished flats check their temporary rental agreement, they sometimes find that 7% VAT is included in the rent. Sometimes the landlord adds VAT to the rent if the tenant only wants to rent for a shorter period of time, which is less than 6 months. Some landlords have to charge VAT, others don't. Read all information on when you have to pay VAT for furnished flats.

Liability Insurance in Germany - important if you rent a Flat

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

Does it make sense to conclude a liability insurance if you rent a furnished flat in Germany? If you don't have a liability insurance already, it certainly makes sense. This insurance not only covers possible damages in a rented apartment but much more. A liability insurance is about 50 Euro per year and it is the only insurance that you should have. Read all information regarding liability insurances and what you should pay attention to.

Should you get an Invoice and a Rent Receipt?

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

Tenants sometimes ask for an invoice for the rent or a rent receipt if they rent a furnished apartment in Berlin. In Germany, you get a rental agreement, but not an invoice or a rent receipt if you rent an apartment from a private landlord. It is different with holiday lets, hotels or other commercial rentals.

Do I get Interest on the Security Deposit?

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

Tenants always have to pay a security deposit when they rent a furnished apartment in Berlin. The deposit is normally transferred to the account of the landlord. The security deposit will be refunded by the landlord after the tenant has moved out, if the tenants have left the apartment in a good condition. Owners normally deduct the cleaning fee from the security deposit. But does the tenant get interest for the security deposit? Read why this is not the case.

Documents you need to rent an Apartment

Friday, 14. April 2023 | Paperwork & important stuff

What documents do you need to rent a furnished apartment in Berlin? If you want to rent an unfurnished apartment in Berlin, you need a SCHUFA, a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung, confirming that you have always paid the rent in time and a proof of income. It is easier if you want to rent a temporary furnished apartment. Read what you need in order to secure a furnished flat.

Documents for Anmeldung - all you need to know

Saturday, 06. March 2021 | Paperwork & important stuff

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, the document for the Anmeldung at the Bürgersamt is one of the most important documents tenants need when they move in Berlin. With this document, tenants cannot even open a bank account. Even if you rent a temporary furnished apartment, you should get a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from the landlord. The landlord is actually obliged to issue this document.