Finding a long-term apartment to rent in Berlin has become an infamously painful process. We spoke to two professionals about the best tips for securing a long-term rental contract in Germany.
Rents in Germany’s biggest cities are soaring, except in Berlin, where prices have unexpectedly dipped. Which cities are seeing the fastest increases, and what does it mean for renters and buyers.
In today's tough housing environment, it's growing more and more common to see flats rented out without the right to register - or 'anmelden'. The Local looks at whether this is legal under German tenancy law.
If you’re going away for a period of time or want to cut your living costs, subletting your flat can seem like an appealing option. But there are a lot of things you need to consider first. We break them down.
In an unprecedented move, a Berlin district issued a fine against a landlord for collecting illegally high rent. The Local asked an expert in tenancy and property law what the case means for Berlin's housing market.
Renters in Germany are increasingly turning to flat swaps to find a new home in a tight housing market - but the legal situation can be complicated. Here's what to know if you're considering exchanging your apartment for a new one.
For the first time in Berlin’s history, a landlord has been fined for charging excessive rent. Politicians hope the decision could represent a breakthrough in the city’s struggle against housing exploitation.
Rental costs across Germany continue to rise at alarming rates. Since rent control laws are only enforced when tenants invoke them, Paul Krantz argues that doing so should be seen as a civic duty to help keep rents down.
Especially in Germany's tight rental markets, apartment hunters need to be cautious every step of the way. From bribes disguised as brokerage fees to fraudulent tenants' associations, here are four scams to be aware of.
In the past ten years the size of the average German apartment has grown as has the size of living space the average resident has. What explains the trend, and what does it mean for desperate flat seekers?
From storing flammables to practicing hobbies and moving in, here’s everything you can and can’t do in the cellar or basement room of your German apartment.
It's not always easy to find a place to live in Germany - but that doesn't mean that tenants have to put up with dodgy demands and overblown rules. If your landlord asks you to do any of these ten things, they may be breaking the law.
A review of rent prices in Germany's capital found that almost every single lease violated rent control laws. So why is the 'rent price brake' failing, what are the potential punishments for landlords who overcharge, and what is to be done?
It can be hard finding affordable accommodation in Germany, especially if you're on a low income. Having a 'Wohnberechtigungsschein', or social housing eligibility certificate, can help. We break down what it is and how to get one.
Germany’s rent control law, which had been set to expire at the end of this year, will be extended until 2029. Here's what renters need to know about the 'Mietpreisbremse'.
Affordable housing is in short supply in Germany. The Local looks at how the government is planning to tackle this issue, and the effect it may have on renters.
When the sun is shining, there's nothing better than spending quality time on your balcony in Germany. But you may run into some problems with the neighbours if you don't follow these rules...
Germany's urban housing markets have seen rents rise continuously over the past decade despite a major rent control. Where have rents gone up the most and why are price controls failing?
Germany's federal government is set to extend the rent brake, or 'Mietpreisbremse', until 2029. But columnist Brian Melican argues that the rent control may actually be doing more harm than good.
Overpriced short-term rentals are increasingly common on the German housing market. In response city council members in Berlin’s Neukölln neighbourhood have announced plans to ban them.
As Germany's new government pledges to extend rent controls over the next four years, property owners' association Haus & Grund is calling for a carve-out for smaller landlords.
Many landlords in Germany are set to send out bills for additional costs for heating and water this month. According to rental services firm Ista, tenants should expect some pricey back payments.
When Germany's last government collapsed before securing the extension of the rent brake there were concerns that it could expire this year. But initial coalition talks suggest the next government plans to extend current rent controls.
Germany's housing shortage, especially in major cities like Munich and Berlin, has been worsening for years. But it's not the big German cities that are most in need of new housing.
