Temporary & Short-Term Housing Options in Germany
Navigating Germany’s housing market as a newcomer can be challenging, but temporary housing offers an excellent solution for those seeking immediate accommodation while settling into the country. Whether you’re coming for business, studies, or planning a permanent move, short-term rentals provide the flexibility and convenience needed during your transition period.
Why Choose Temporary Housing in Germany?
Benefits for Newcomers and Expats
Temporary housing serves as a crucial stepping stone for expats and newcomers to Germany. It provides immediate accommodation solutions for those on temporary work assignments or individuals who want to test the waters before committing to long-term residence. This approach is particularly valuable given Germany’s notoriously competitive long-term rental market.
Short-term rentals offer newcomers the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new city, explore different neighborhoods, and make informed decisions about where they ultimately want to live. The convenience of fully furnished apartments eliminates the immediate need to purchase furniture and household items, allowing you to focus on other aspects of settling in.
For business travelers and professionals on temporary assignments, serviced apartments provide hotel-like amenities with the comfort and space of a private residence. This option is often more cost-effective than extended hotel stays while offering greater privacy and flexibility.
Facilitating Bureaucratic Requirements
One of the most significant advantages of temporary housing is its role in facilitating essential bureaucratic processes. Obtaining proper accommodation allows you to complete your Anmeldung (city registration), which is mandatory for all residents in Germany. This registration is the gateway to obtaining other crucial documents including your Tax ID, residence permit, bank account, and insurance.
Having a legitimate address through temporary housing can significantly improve your chances of securing long-term accommodation later, as landlords often require proof of registration and established residency. This creates a positive cycle where temporary housing enables you to build the documentation needed for permanent solutions.
Types of Temporary Accommodation in Germany
Furnished vs. Serviced Apartments
Germany offers various types of temporary accommodation to suit different needs and budgets. Furnished apartments represent the most basic option, typically including essential furniture, kitchen appliances, and electronics like television. These apartments usually come with contracts ranging from one to six months and provide a more affordable alternative to hotels while offering greater space and privacy.
Serviced apartments take convenience a step further by including additional services such as regular cleaning, bed-making, and sometimes complimentary breakfast or snacks. These options are particularly popular among business travelers who have demanding schedules and prefer the convenience of hotel-like services combined with apartment-style living. The premium for these services is often justified by the time saved and enhanced comfort provided.
Both options typically include utilities such as electricity, heating, water, and internet in the rental price, eliminating the complexity of setting up multiple service contracts for short-term stays.
Airbnb and Other Short-Term Alternatives
While Airbnb is available in Germany, it’s primarily designed for tourists rather than immigrants or long-term visitors. The platform often lacks important filters for criteria essential to residents, such as the ability to register your address for Anmeldung purposes. However, some hosts may accommodate these needs if approached directly, though this isn’t guaranteed.
Other alternatives include traditional hotels for very short stays, though these become cost-prohibitive for extended periods. Student residences and shared accommodations through university programs offer budget-friendly options for those in academic programs.
Where to Find Short-Term Rentals
Specialized Online Portals for Short-Term Rentals
The easiest way to find temporary apartments in Germany is through specialized online portals designed specifically for short-term rentals. These platforms have streamlined the process, making it possible to secure accommodation from abroad before arrival.
Top Platforms: tempoFLAT, Wunderflats, HousingAnywhere & More
Wunderflats stands out as a market leader in the German short-term rental space, focusing specifically on accommodations for expats and professionals. The platform offers both furnished and serviced apartments with a high volume of listings across major German cities. Their comprehensive approach includes assistance with legal compliance and tenant verification processes.
tempoFLAT specializes in furnished apartments from individual landlords, often featuring properties where owners are temporarily away and seeking responsible subletters. This platform handles the entire subletting process, reducing complexity for both landlords and tenants.
HousingAnywhere began as a student-focused platform but has expanded to serve both students and professionals across major and smaller German cities. The platform offers a wide range of accommodation types and has established a strong presence in the German market.
Spotahome provides listings for apartments, rooms, studios, and student residences, primarily concentrating on major German cities. The platform offers virtual tours and verification services to help tenants make informed decisions without in-person viewings.
YOSAA focuses specifically on temporary, fully furnished apartments and aims to simplify the process of finding extended-stay accommodation. Their platform is designed with the needs of temporary residents in mind.
Student Housing Portals: AmberStudent, Uniplaces
Students have access to specialized platforms designed for academic accommodation needs. AmberStudent and Uniplaces cater specifically to students, offering options ranging from shared dormitory rooms to private studios near universities and colleges. These platforms often provide additional support services tailored to international students’ needs.
City-Specific Providers in Major German Cities
Major German cities host numerous specialized providers focusing on temporary accommodation. In cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf, you’ll find providers such as Smartments, White Apartments, Urban Grounds, Havens Living, B-Boardinghouse, D-partments, Pures Leben, and Poha House.
HAVENS LIVING specifically markets itself as expat-friendly, understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by international residents. These city-specific providers often have deep local knowledge and can offer insights into neighborhood characteristics and local amenities.
General Property Portals: Immobilienscout24, Immowelt
While primarily designed for long-term rentals, Immobilienscout24 and Immowelt are Germany’s most popular property portals and occasionally feature short-term options. However, landlords on these platforms typically expect long-term tenants, making short-term rentals more difficult to secure.
These platforms can be valuable if you’re also considering longer-term options or planning to purchase property. Zeitwohnwerk represents a network of local agencies specifically offering furnished accommodation, bridging the gap between general portals and specialized short-term platforms.
Other Sources: Word of Mouth, Local Boards
Don’t underestimate traditional methods of finding accommodation. Your expat network can provide valuable recommendations and sometimes exclusive opportunities not advertised on major platforms. Local noticeboards in community centers, universities, and co-working spaces often feature short-term rental opportunities from individuals seeking reliable tenants.
Cost of Renting Short-Term in Germany
Typical Rental Prices by City and Type
Short-term rental costs vary significantly based on location, duration, and apartment type. On average, expect to pay between €500 and €1,500 per month for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Munich consistently ranks as Germany’s most expensive city, with rental costs having increased dramatically in recent years. An apartment that might have cost €1,200 in 2016 could easily command €1,700 or more today.
Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg also command premium prices, though generally somewhat lower than Munich. Smaller cities and towns offer more affordable options but may have limited availability of short-term rentals.
- See also: Our Guide On German Neighborhoods
Furnishing Surcharges and Legal Exceptions
Landlords can legally charge furnishing surcharges for temporary furnished rentals, and these surcharges are exempt from Mietpreisbremse (rent control) regulations. The surcharge should reflect the current value of furniture and furnishings, typically calculated based on the items’ age and original purchase price.
This legal framework allows landlords to charge market rates for furnished accommodations while still providing value compared to hotel alternatives. Understanding this pricing structure helps set realistic expectations when budgeting for temporary housing.
Budgeting Tips and Negotiation Opportunities
Start your budgeting process early and factor in additional costs such as deposits, which typically equal one to three months’ rent. Meeting prospective landlords early in the process can sometimes lead to below-market rates, as some prioritize reliable tenants over maximum profit.
Consider the total cost of temporary housing versus the time and energy saved by having immediate accommodation. The premium paid for furnished, short-term rentals often proves worthwhile when considering the alternative costs of hotel stays, furniture purchases, and the stress of immediate apartment hunting upon arrival.
Legal Aspects of Temporary Rentals in Germany
Mietpreisbremse (Rent Control) and Exceptions
Germany’s Mietpreisbremse (rent control) system limits rent increases for new rentals of existing apartments in areas with strained housing markets. However, this regulation specifically does not apply to furnished apartments rented for temporary use, giving landlords more pricing flexibility for short-term accommodations.
This exception recognizes the additional value and services provided with furnished, temporary housing while protecting long-term tenants from excessive rent increases in the traditional rental market.
Misuse Laws and Minimum Stay Requirements
German law distinguishes between residential use and tourist accommodation through misuse regulations. Misuse occurs when living space is used for purposes other than actual residence, such as vacation rentals. However, it is not considered misuse when tenants temporarily establish their main place of residence for specific reasons like professional work.
Many municipalities impose minimum rental period requirements, typically exceeding one month, to ensure accommodations serve residential rather than purely tourist purposes. Adhering to these requirements and clearly stating the residential purpose in rental contracts helps avoid legal complications.
Rental Contracts: Fixed-Term and Termination Rules
Temporary housing contracts are fixed-term agreements based on specific reasons for residence and must specify both the end date and circumstances of the stay. These contracts automatically terminate at the agreed-upon date and can only be ended early for extraordinary reasons directly influenced by the landlord, such as failure to provide promised accommodations or significant health hazards.
Contract extensions are possible, but the extended period must also be foreseeable with clearly stated reasons. Exceeding a total rental period of one year may risk the tenancy becoming indefinite, which changes the legal framework significantly.
Withdrawal Rights for Tenants
Tenants may have withdrawal rights within 14 days under specific circumstances, particularly when landlords rent commercially and tenants haven’t inspected the apartment or signed contracts outside the landlord’s business premises. This right doesn’t apply to private rentals.
Even when tenants exercise withdrawal rights or cannot move in due to changed circumstances, landlords can legally demand rent payment. However, professional platforms often assist in finding replacement tenants and arranging termination agreements to minimize losses for both parties.
Subletting Rules and Best Practices
German law permits subletting under specific conditions, but it requires written consent from the landlord or property owner. Subletting should not generate profit beyond covering actual costs. Failing to obtain proper permission can result in termination of the main rental contract.
For landlords considering subletting their properties, best practices include conducting thorough background checks on potential subtenants, obtaining references, preparing detailed inventories, and ensuring all payments and signed contracts are completed before providing access.
Anmeldung and Confirmation of Residence Requirements
To complete mandatory city registration (Anmeldung), temporary tenants must obtain a confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from their landlord. Landlords are legally obligated to provide this document, which is essential for foreign tenants to obtain tax identification numbers and open bank accounts.
This requirement makes it crucial to confirm that your temporary housing arrangement will provide the necessary documentation for legal residence registration.
Service Charges and Heating Costs Explained
Rental contracts typically stipulate that tenants bear service charges, with heating and hot water costs largely billed based on consumption. However, many short-term rental agreements use inclusive rent structures where service charges, heating, and hot water are charged at flat rates.
This flat-rate system eliminates the need for detailed service charge statements and retrospective payments, simplifying the rental process for short-term tenants. While individual consumption may vary, flat rates generally balance out across multiple rentals.
Energy Certificate Obligations
Property owners must provide energy certificates for residential properties. For apartment buildings, the certificate covers the entire building and is typically held by property management. Landlords must display certificate information during inspections or provide copies to tenants upon move-in.
Failure to provide required energy certificate information can result in fines, making this an important consideration when evaluating potential rentals.
Private vs. Commercial Renting: Legal Distinctions
German law distinguishes between private asset management and commercial economic activity in rental operations. Private renting doesn’t fall under trade law, even when managing multiple properties. Commercial activity involves income exceeding typical asset management scope or operating hotel-like or boarding house arrangements.
Commercial landlords must register their business, comply with trade law requirements, and may owe trade taxes if profits exceed specified thresholds. This distinction can be complex, and professional advice from tax advisors or trade offices is recommended for specific situations.
The Short-Term Rental Process
From Search to Move-In: A Digital Process
The short-term rental process in Germany is typically fully digitized, making it significantly easier than securing long-term accommodation, though less personal. The standard process involves searching online platforms, creating detailed profiles, verifying identity documents, and sending booking requests.
Unlike long-term rentals, viewings are not typical for short-term accommodations, though some platforms offer virtual tours or viewing appointments upon request. Once landlords accept booking requests, tenants confirm apartments, sign digital contracts, pay first month’s rent plus deposits, and arrange move-in details directly with landlords.
This streamlined process allows tenants to secure accommodation from abroad, ensuring housing is available immediately upon arrival in Germany.
Benefits of Short-Term Rentals in Germany
Short-term rentals offer numerous advantages for newcomers to Germany. The ability to rent online from abroad makes arrival smoother and reduces the stress of immediate housing searches. Less paperwork is typically required compared to long-term rentals, and fully furnished apartments eliminate the cost and effort of purchasing furniture and household items.
Utilities including internet and electricity are typically included in rental prices, simplifying monthly budgeting. Most importantly, temporary housing enables completion of city registration (Anmeldung), which is vital for obtaining tax identification, bank accounts, and residence permits.
These accommodations provide opportunities to explore and understand new cities before making permanent housing decisions. They offer cozier, more personal living experiences than hotels while generally costing less for extended stays. Additionally, they help newcomers avoid the immediate pressure of navigating Germany’s complex long-term property market.
Drawbacks of Short-Term Rentals
Despite their advantages, short-term rentals have notable drawbacks. They are typically overpriced compared to long-term accommodations, reflecting the premium for furnished, flexible housing. Tenants usually cannot view and verify apartments beforehand, though some platforms implement verification measures to address this concern.
The temporary nature means these accommodations may not feel like permanent homes, which can affect comfort and settling-in processes. The short-term rental market has a mixed reputation, and while rare, scams do occur, requiring additional caution during the search and booking process.
Tips for Finding and Renting Temporary Housing
Avoiding Scams and Red Flags
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally at least one month before your planned move. Flexibility with arrival dates can significantly increase your chances of finding suitable properties. The most important rule for avoiding scams is never transferring money until contracts are finalized and signed by both parties.
Trust your instincts and follow common sense when evaluating housing options. Check reviews of landlords and platforms where available, and compare listings, prices, and reviews across multiple platforms. The apartment itself should be the primary deciding factor rather than price alone.
Essential Contract and Utility Checks
Familiarize yourself with key terminology and contractual aspects including minimum rental duration, notice periods, and cancellation terms. If you don’t speak German fluently, seek help from competent German speakers to review contracts before signing.
Ensure apartments include WiFi, as setting up internet service for short periods is inefficient and costly. Clarify whether utilities are included in rental prices or billed separately, and understand the implications of each arrangement for your monthly budget.
Ensuring Anmeldung Eligibility
Absolutely confirm that landlords are willing and able to issue Certificates of Residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), as this documentation is mandatory for city registration. Without proper registration capability, temporary housing loses much of its value for establishing legal residence in Germany.
Mailbox, Internet & Mail Handling Considerations
Confirm whether you can put your name on mailboxes and building bells, or arrange alternative methods for receiving mail. This is crucial for receiving official documents following registration and other bureaucratic processes.
Consider the location’s proximity to essential services, public transportation, and your work or study locations. Meeting prospective landlords early in the process can provide valuable insights into neighborhood characteristics and may lead to more favorable rental terms.
Understanding Germany’s tenant-friendly legal framework and the availability of tenant associations can provide additional confidence when entering short-term rental agreements. Remember that while temporary housing serves as an excellent starting point, finding long-term accommodation later will require understanding German rental culture and may present significant challenges that should be anticipated and prepared for accordingly.