You found an apartment: what to do next
Congratulations — that was the hard part. Now make the flat official and working: pay the deposit safely, get your landlord's confirmation, register, and set up electricity and internet early (internet can take weeks).
Before or at signing
- Rental deposit · Mietkaution (Kaution) Usually required
German rental deposits explained: max. 3 months' net cold rent, payment in 3 instalments, a separate interest-bearing account, and how you get your Kaution back.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung · Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Einzugsbestätigung) Mandatory
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is your landlord's written move-in confirmation, needed for the Anmeldung. What it contains, who signs, and what if they refuse.
Moving in
- Anmeldung · Anmeldung (Wohnsitzanmeldung) Mandatory
Everyone who moves into a home in Germany must register the address within two weeks. Documents, steps, online option, fines and what to do without an appointment.
- Electricity · Strom anmelden / Stromvertrag (electricity contract) Depends on your situation
Who arranges electricity in a German rental, what Grundversorgung is, how to register with a supplier, read your meter, understand Abschlag and switch or cancel.
- Home internet · Internetanschluss / DSL-Vertrag (home internet contract) Optional
How to get home internet in Germany: DSL vs cable vs fibre, how long setup takes, 24-month contracts, cancelling after moving, and your rights when speed is too slow.
- Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) · Rundfunkbeitrag (formerly GEZ-Gebühr) Mandatory
Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag broadcasting fee: one fee per flat, not per person. Amount, registration, flat shares, exemptions, leaving.
Once settled
- Liability insurance · Private Haftpflichtversicherung Recommended
Private liability insurance is optional in Germany but strongly recommended. What it covers, how much cover you need and what to check before you sign.
- Household insurance · Hausratversicherung Optional
Hausratversicherung covers your belongings at home against fire, water, burglary and storm. It is optional. When it is worth it and what to check.