Things I can tell you about moving to Germany and renting an apartment – now that I’ve done it… a comparison. Warning – complaint ahead – mostly due to cultural differences that maybe someone can clear up for why this is…..

*** First some background – in the USA, you only need to give 1 month of notice before moving, at most two. When you get your deposit back – they give it back within the month after you move – at most 3 months if you are getting it back. If not, they must provide you a letter for why they are keeping it. In Most states, the renter does not need to repaint, recarpet, or do any improvements to the apartment (in fact if you paint a different color wall – they will fine you!). There are no wires allowed to hang from the celings or anywhere else. Likewise, in the bathroom – a working toilet, bathing facilities and sink must be provided and in the kitchen, there must be a stove, refrigerator, and working sink. This is an “unfurnished apartment”. ***

In Germany….

a) You have to give 3 months notice before you move out. This has to be given by the 3rd or the 5th of the month before you move. This means if you hate the place, you’re stuck there for at least 3 months.

b) Unfurnished apartments have no lights (open wires from the celings), no kitchen (not even a sink, refrigerator, or stove), and the bathroom doesn’t have to have facilities for bathing – a sink and toilet are the only thing necessary.

c) You have to repaint the flat before you move – and maybe replace the carpets. At your own expense. The owner/landlord doesn’t expect that there is normal wear and tear on the place – or that they should have to do anything but collect your rent, do some paperwork, and just profit.

d) Don’t plan on getting your deposit back the month you move out either. Landlords here can hold your deposit – after you’ve moved – for 6 months to a 1 year after you’ve moved out.

e) If you do plan to move out – and find a new place – plan on 3 months rent (as a deposit) and your first month’s rent being how much you pay just to get in. In the case of a 600 Eur a month apartment, you have to come up with 2400 eur – just to move in…. that doesn’t count moving expenses (like renting a truck), repainting/ recarpeting the old apartment, or anything like that.

Ok folks, you’ve been warned. Welcome to Germany, you’ve found a flat, don’t ever move.