Moving to Germany itself is complex, if you don't have a place to stay in the first few months until you find a permanent place can be an extra stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be one if you prepare well. It's important to make sure you have a temporary place to stay until you find a more permanent home. With good preparation, the whole process can be much smoother.
Are you looking for a place to stay in Germany for a few months? Whether you are working, studying, or traveling, you might want to consider renting a short-term apartment. Short-term rentals are furnished apartments or rooms that you can rent for a period of one month to a couple of months. Short term rentals offer many advantages over hotels, like:
More space, privacy, and comfort
Lower accommodation costs
No need to buy or move furniture
No hassle with the German bureaucracy and paperwork
But how do you find a good short-term rental in Germany? What are the options, tips, and resources that can help you? This article, answer these questions and more. We will show you how to find the best short-term rentals in Germany, whether you are looking for vacation rentals, subletting, temporary housing, or furnished apartments for rent.
What are the options for finding a short-term rental in Germany?
There are several ways to find a short-term rental in Germany, depending on your preferences, budget, and location. Some of the most common options are:
Online platforms: There are many online platforms that specialise in short-term rentals for expats and travellers. Some of the most popular ones are Airbnb, HousingAnywhere, tempoFLAT, and Wunderflats. These platforms allow you to:
Browse through hundreds of listings
Filter by price, location, amenities, and availability
Book your accommodation online
See photos, videos, floor plans, and reviews of the properties
Contact the landlords directly
For example, Wunderflats short-term rentals are fully furnished, serviced, and verified, and they provide you with a local contact person who can assist you with any issues or questions.
Additionally, as soon as you reserve a Wunderflat and before signing the rental agreement, they will arrange a viewing appointment up on your request. If you don't like the apartment, you don't have to choose it.
Relocation companies: If you want a more personalised and hassle-free service, you can hire a relocation company like TMRelocation to help you find a short-term rental in Germany. Relocation companies have access to a network of trusted landlords and properties, and can assist you with the whole process of finding and securing your accommodation. They can also provide you with other relocation services, such as:
Visa
Banking opening
Getting a health insurance
Arranging language courses
Some of the well-known relocation companies in Germany are MWExpat, and, TMRelocation.
Ask around: Another way to find a short-term rental in Germany is to ask around your personal and professional network. You might be able to find someone who is looking for:
A subtenant
A roommate
A house sitter
You can also join online groups and forums for expats and travellers in Germany, such as Toytown Germany, Internations, and Facebook groups. There, you can:
Post your request
Browse through the offers and recommendations of other members
Tips for finding a short-term rental in Germany
Finding a short-term rental in Germany can be competitive and time-consuming, especially in big cities and popular areas. To increase your chances of finding a suitable place, here are some tips to follow:
Start your search early: Ideally, you should start looking for a short-term rental at least a month before your planned arrival date. This will give you more time to compare different options, and secure your booking before someone else does.
Be flexible: If possible, try to be flexible with your arrival date, as well as your location and budget. This will open up more possibilities for you, and allow you to find a better deal. You can also consider staying in a hotel or a hostel for the first few days, until you find a more permanent place.
Check the details: Before you book a short-term rental, make sure you check all the details and conditions of the contract. This includes:
Rent
Deposit
Utilities
Internet
Cleaning
Maintenance
Cancellation policy
Notice period
You should also ask for a confirmation email or invoice, and a receipt for your payment. If you have any questions or doubts, don’t hesitate to contact the landlord or the platform.
Get a local contact: If you don’t speak German, or you are not familiar with the German culture and laws, it might be helpful to have a local contact who can assist you with finding and renting a short-term accommodation. This could be:
A friend
A colleague
A relocation agent
They can help you communicate with the landlord, translate the contract, and deal with any issues that might arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a short-term rental in Germany offers numerous advantages over traditional accommodations. Whether you're working, studying, or exploring the country, short-term rentals provide more space, cost-effectiveness, and freedom from bureaucratic hassles. Options like Wunderflats, Airbnb, and relocation services simplify the process, offering diverse listings and additional services. To enhance your search, start early, stay flexible, and check the rental details closely and thoroughly. Lastly, having a local contact can be invaluable, especially if you're not familiar with the German language and culture.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I search for short-term apartments in Germany?
Websites like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia offer a variety of short-term apartment rentals in Germany. Additionally, local real estate websites and classified ad platforms can be useful.