Accommodation in Cologne

In Germany, most apartments are rented unfurnished. However, it is possible for the landlord to provide the apartment fully or partially furnished for an additional fee.

Often, landlords look for subtenants for their apartments for a specific period, such as for example four months. In such cases, the apartment is rented furnished. One significant advantage of these offers is that you don't have to worry about furniture and its delivery. At the beginning of such a rental agreement, it is crucial to thoroughly document any damages to the apartment and its furnishings, ideally with photos, as you, as the tenant, will be responsible for any damages that occur during your rental period. Therefore, it's essential to be able to prove that the damage was not caused by you.

A "WG" stands for "Wohngemeinschaft," which means a shared flat, a group of individuals living together in one apartment. Each person has their own room, while rooms like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room (if available) are used collectively.

WG rooms can be rented either permanently or for a limited period of time. They are particularly popular among students in Germany because it is more cost-effective to live in a shared apartment than to rent an entire apartment. Since the demand is high, WG flatmates often organize a kind of "WG casting" to determine if your expectations of living together align. Everything discussed in this process is aimed at getting to know each other better.

Before signing a rental agreement for a WG room, check in advance if you can officially register in Cologne with the rental contract and receive a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation of residence) from the landlord.

Many people prefer to rent their own apartment, especially if they have a stable job and a family. Since this type of rental is in high demand, it can sometimes be challenging to find a suitable apartment, especially in the city center.

In Germany, a distinction is made between Kaltmiete (cold rent) and Warmmiete (warm rent). The Kaltmiete is based on factors such as the size of the apartment, its amenities, and its location. Additional costs such as water, electricity, and heating are not included in the Kaltmiete. Warmmiete, on the other hand, is the total amount you pay each month for your apartment. Inquire in advance about the additional costs for the desired apartment to avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes to billing. As a rough estimate, the additional costs are usually around 2-3 euros per square meter of your apartment.

It's also essential to know that the additional costs must be paid in advance. In the following year, you'll receive a utility cost statement documenting your consumption. If you used less than estimated, the landlord will refund you the excess; if your consumption was higher, you will need to pay the additional costs.

A questionnaire for self-disclosure is used to collect information about your personal and financial circumstances. Questions about religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or family planning are prohibited. Please fill in all fields truthfully. If the landlord discovers that the information provided is incorrect, they may terminate the rental agreement.

A certificate of freedom from rent debts is a letter confirming that you have paid your rent promptly and in full. This document is issued by your previous landlord. If you have never rented an apartment or WG room yourself, you can submit a rent guarantee declaration from your parents. With this document, your parents declare that they will financially support you in case you are unable to pay your rent.

The abbreviation SCHUFA stands for "Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Sicherung," which translates to the "Protection Community for General Security." In Germany, SCHUFA provides information about your creditworthiness to prevent potential payment defaults. SCHUFA collects and analyzes essential information about your previous payment behavior and provides an assessment of your expected future payment behavior. If you have always paid your bills on time and in full, you will have a positive SCHUFA record. Having a positive SCHUFA record increases your chances of securing the desired apartment.

Typically, the landlord will ask for your salary to ensure that you can afford the apartment. Your income statements from the past three months can serve as proof of income. If you have just started your job, you can submit your valid employment contract as documentation. If you are self-employed, your most recent tax assessment in copy form can serve as proof of income. If you are a student with a part-time job, you should submit a rent guarantee declaration from your parents. In this case, your parents must prove their income and provide the necessary documents.

The landlord must issue you a confirmation of residence within two weeks after moving in so that you can fulfill your legal registration requirement. The confirmation should include the name and address of the landlord (or property owner) as well as your full name, move-in date, and the address of the apartment. Please note that a rental agreement alone is not sufficient for registering with the local authorities.

If you are moving to Cologne from another city in Germany and plan to reside in the city for more than six months, or if you are moving to Cologne from abroad and intend to stay in the city for more than three months, you must register with the City of Cologne. Please note that you are required to register within fourteen days after moving.