Written by Stefanie Herta

Moving to Germany as an international student is a thrilling and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

However, increasing demands for accommodation, unfamiliar systems, and cultural nuances, securing accommodation remains one of the biggest logistical challenges many international students face in Germany.

Earlier this year, Prashant (CCP DEGIS Munich) and I were interviewed by DER SPIEGEL about our experiences navigating the German accommodation system as international students – a challenge many continue to face.

Drawing from my background as a former DAAD professional and DAAD-funded international student mentor, I’ve supported countless students through Germany’s complex rental landscape, and now, I’m sharing those insights once again.

Unfortunately, accommodation scams are a growing concern, especially on fast-moving platforms like Facebook, WG-Gesucht, and eBay Kleinanzeigen. These scams are often cleverly disguised, emotionally exhausting, and can lead to serious financial loss.    

In this article, I’ll be providing you with clear, practical guidance on spotting accommodation scams, avoiding common pitfalls, and staying safe during your search.

Here are some of the most common red flags to watch out for when looking for accommodation in Germany:

1. You’re Asked to Pay a Deposit Before Receiving the Keys

• Stop! Don’t transfer a cent until the keys are in your hand, even if you have signed a contract.

• Exceptions to this include the public housing “Studierendenwerk” or certain reputable private student accommodation options.

2. The Photos Look “Too Good to Be True”.

• If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of the photos, save (or screnshot!) the photo and upload it to Google Reverse Image Search.
  • This allows you to see if the photo has been used in other, unrelated listings with different addresses.
    •  My experience: I was looking at a lovely apartment in Berlin from a Facebook post, and when I did a reverse Google search, I noticed the photo originated from a property in FRANCE, not Germany!

3. The “Landlord” Says They Can’t Meet You Beforehand.

• Landlords and main tenants alike must offer you the chance to view and inspect the accommodation before signing any contracts.
• Common excuses involve claiming they are currently overseas or too occupied with work to provide a viewing.
• If they continue to refuse, even after their “trip”, that’s a red flag! Consider elsewhere.

4. “No Anmeldung”  = No Possibility to Officially Register the Address to Yourself.

There are a few reasons why an apartment or WG doesn’t offer “Anmeldung”:

1. They are subletting the apartment or room illegally.
   
   For example, someone else could be officially registered at the accommodation, but wishes to rent it out without the landlord’s permission. 
   
   
2. They have already reached the maximum number of people legally allowed within the WG/apartment.
   
   
3. The property offers short-term hotel/hostel-style accommodation that doesn’t qualify for registration.
   This is not a red flag, but NOT a long-term option either!

Wait, what is “Anmeldung”?

Anmeldung is the official registration of your address in Germany, and it’s mandatory for anyone living here longer than a few months.

When you move into your new accommodation (even if shared), you must register your address at the local “Bezkirsamt” (district office) / Bürgeramt (citizen’s office).

This process is called “Anmeldung”, and you’ll receive a confirmation document called the “Meldebescheinigung”.

• Without it, you are unable to apply for your visa, obtain a German tax ID or open certain German bank accounts!
  •  Thus always ask if “Anmeldung” is available!

5. The Monthly Rent Seems “Too Good To Be True”

While there are, on occasion, more affordable options, these are harder to come by nowadays. 

• Sometimes, scammers will reduce the “price”  to coax desperate accommodation searchers into ignoring fishy details of their listing!
• So, be sure to view other apartment/WG prices in the area of the listing first!

6. The Devil Is in the (Contract) Details!

• Obvious errors in formatting or German: Broken sentences, missing legal terms (a note on this soon), or strange word choices in your accommodation contract can indicate the listing was hastily put together without proper understanding (or rather, neglect!) of housing laws.
  
  
  
• My experience: 
  • When I was reviewing a contract for an apartment, I noticed some grammatical and punctuation errors that one wouldn’t expect from a well-thought-out or official contract. Turns out, it was also a scam!
    
    
• Good To Know:
  • If the contract is in German, try using DeepL or Chat GPT for a helpful translation!
  • Check out the Deutsche Mieterbund for an English version of a typical Rental Contract to compare!
    

So… Where Should You Search?

Navigating the right platforms can make all the difference in finding trustworthy listings. 

• Here are some widely used and dependable options via our Reel on top accommodation search websites in Germany!
  
• P.S. If you are a DEGIS community member, you get 15% off rental bookings with Spotahome, and 30% if you are a DEGIS volunteer!

I hope this has been helpful to you, and I wish you the very best in finding your new home in Germany!