What Landlords Need to Know About the New Draft of the Federal Rental Reform in Germany
The German Federal Ministry of Justice has released a new ministerial draft for the “Mietrecht II” reform. This proposal aims to tighten regulations on furnished apartments and mid-term rentals. The key questions facing the industry are: Will the furnishing surcharge be capped at 5% of the net cold rent? Will a rigid 6-month limit for […]
Pros and Cons of Furnished vs Unfurnished Apartments
Table of Contents Choosing between a furnished and an unfurnished apartment in Germany is not the same decision as in many other countries. Here, “unfurnished” (unmöbliert) can mean more than “no sofa”: in some markets, apartments may be rented without a fitted kitchen (Einbauküche) and sometimes without light fixtures, depending on the listing and region. […]
How to Find Pet‑Friendly Apartments in Germany
Table of Contents Why pet‑friendly rentals are harder to secure in Germany Demand for pet‑friendly housing is high in major German cities, while supply is limited. The challenge is rarely “finding any apartment.” It is finding an apartment where (1) the listing is truly pet‑friendly, (2) the lease wording works, and (3) the landlord will […]
Is It easy to move to Germany from within the EU?
Table of Contents Moving to Germany from another EU country is legally straightforward, but administratively demanding. EU freedom of movement means you can enter Germany and start building your life there without a visa. In practice, Germany expects you to register your address quickly, prove you have health insurance, and handle several systems (housing, tax, […]
Is It Easy for an American Citizen to Move to Germany?
Table of Contents Americans move to Germany for concrete reasons: a large job market in the EU, strong higher-education options, and a lifestyle built around public transit, paid time off, and dense, walkable cities. The real question is whether the move from the USA to Germany is straightforward once you start dealing with visas, registrations, […]
Zeitwohnen Update: January 2026
Berlin thrives on mobility. When international professionals, scientists, students, or people in exceptional personal circumstances need an apartment at short notice, the availability of flexible furnished accommodation is often the deciding factor for our city. This is exactly where Zeitwohnen (long-term flexible housing) comes in, which in practice is clearly geared towards residential use for […]
Expert Opinion Confirms: Temporary Housing in Berlin is Legally Protected
Table of Contents The current political debate surrounding the proposed Housing Security Act (Wohnraumsicherungsgesetz) and planned restrictions in social preservation areas (Milieuschutz) has left many Berlin landlords feeling uncertain. At the heart of the matter are two critical questions: Does switching from long-term to mid-term rental constitute a “change of use” requiring a permit? Is […]
German Terms Every Tenant Should Know
Table of Contents Moving into a German rental without understanding the vocabulary is like signing a contract you can’t read. This guide lists the key German terms you’ll see in listings, contracts, emails from landlords, and at city offices. Use it to decode documents, ask the right questions, and avoid costly misunderstandings. How to use […]
What to Do Before Moving Out to Protect Your Deposit (Kaution)
Table of Contents Practical steps for tenants in Germany to secure a smooth handover and get the full deposit back Why this guide? If you’re preparing to move out of a rental in Germany, you want your Kaution back in full and without arguments. The best way to make that happen is to know what […]
