Finding accommodation on your own
Foto von icons8-team auf Unsplash Have you been to Germany before or do you speak a little bit of German? Those are two helpful factors when looking for your own apartment. We have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions that may help you to find the right apartment.
FAQ
When should I start looking for an apartment on my own?
When should I start looking for an apartment on my own?
About 2-3 months prior to your arrival.
Where do I look for accommodation?
Where do I look for accommodation?
Online real estate websites, the online version of the local newspaper (for example, the "Mittelbayerische Zeitung"), personal contacts through your department, etc.
This list provides you with the most important online portals and adresses that can help you find an apartment.
Link collection
- Immonet (in German) (external link, opens in a new window)
- ImmoScout24 (in German) (external link, opens in a new window)
- Immowelt (in German) (external link, opens in a new window)
- WG-Gesucht (in German) (external link, opens in a new window)
- Housing Anywhere (external link, opens in a new window)
- Kleinanzeigen (in German) (external link, opens in a new window)
- Zeitwohnen Regensburg (external link, opens in a new window)
Furnished or unfurnished - what's best for me?
Furnished or unfurnished - what's best for me?
A crucial aspect for this decision - furnished or unfurnished? - can be the duration of your stay in Regensburg. The longer your research stay, the more worthwhile an unfurnished apartment can be. Unfurnished apartments are not appropriate for short stays though.
Even for a longer stay, it can be a good idea to start with a furnished apartment in the city. This way, you'll have time to search for an apartment on site.
Furnished apartments:
PRO: ready to move in, less stressful at the beginning of your stay, rental price is often all-inclusive (heating, electricity, internet, etc.)
CON: usually higher price per square meter
Unfurnished apartments:
PRO: usually lower rent
CON: An immense amount of effort has to be made at the beginning of your stay. Many apartments in Germany are rented out completely empty, without kitchen appliances or furnishings, without lamps, etc. That means you must purchase kitchen furnishings, lamps, furniture and install everything yourself. You will most likely need to find your own internet provider as well.
What kind of information do landladies and landlords need?
What information do landlords and landladies need?
- Proof of income (UR work contract or poof of scholarship)
- "Mieterselbstauskunft" - a document of self-disclosure regarding finances (please contact us if you have questions about this document)
What other costs should I expect (in addition to rent)?
What other costs should I expect (in addition to rent)?
Security deposit (max. 3 months' rent). The deposit can often be paid in installments, so you don't have to pay the full price all at once.
What do I have to consider when moving in and moving out?
Moving in:
- rental agreement
- handover protocol (to be signed by landlord and tenant)
- payment plan for deposit
- ask landlord if liability insurance is neccessary
Moving out:
- stick to the contract termination policy (max. 3 full months, see rental agreement)
- return the apartment clean and orderly
- handover protocol (to be signed by landlord and tenant)
- appointment with your landlord for the handover of the apartment and returning the keys
- discuss the return procedure of your security deposit
What if my landlord or landlady doesn't speak English?
What if my landlord or landlady doesn't speak English?
We are happy to support you in communicating with your landlord or with other questions.
What do I have to consider regarding online ads (scams)?
What do I have to consider regarding online ads (scams)?
Do not transfer any money before you have signed a rental contract. You are not sure whether a particular ad is serious or not? Just send us the advertisement and we will take care of it.
Online apartment ads often contain many abbreviations that are difficult to understand. We have compiled a helpful list with the most common abbreviations and their menaings.
Abbreviation list
We are looking for landladies and landlords!
Picture
Foto von Laura Chouette auf Unsplash We're looking for landladies and landlords!
The Welcome Center is always looking for apartments for its international researchers who come to the UR from all over the world. We are in need of furnished accommodation – short-term and long-term – ideally with internet connection.
If you have an apartment for our guests, please fill out the form below and email it to us. We will then get in touch with you.
Write to us at: accommodation.welcome-center(at)ur.de (opens your email program)