The German housing market

For specific tenancy law problems such as rental agreements, deposit repayments or other disputes, we recommend to contact a lawyer, the NRW consumer advice center or, if you are a member, the local tenants' association if you are a member. Tenants' associations usually charge an annual membership fee, offer comprehensive support with tenancy law issues, represent their members in dealings with landlords and help with checking tenancy agreements, utility bills and notices of termination, among other things.

In Germany, it is common for landlords to require a rental deposit before moving in. This serves as security for any damage to the apartment or outstanding rent payments. The amount of the deposit may not exceed three net cold rents. Tenants have the right to pay the deposit in three equal monthly installments, with the first installment due at the beginning of the tenancy.

Timely payment of the deposit is mandatory. If the deposit is not paid, the landlord can, under certain circumstances, terminate the tenancy agreement without notice. International researchers and students should therefore ensure that they pay the deposit on time or, if necessary, discuss possible alternatives with the landlord.

In Germany, the deposit may not be offset against the final rent payment, but remains on deposit until the apartment has been properly handed over. Once the tenancy has ended and the apartment has been returned, the deposit is usually refunded within six months, provided there are no damages or outstanding claims. If the landlord discovers damage to the apartment or there are still outstanding utility bills, he can retain a reasonable portion of the deposit until these have been resolved. To avoid disputes, it is advisable to record the condition of the apartment on moving in and out together with the landlord in a handover protocol.

In Germany, rent in many cases only covers the use of the apartment. Contracts for electricity, internet and possibly gas often have to be concluded separately. It is advisable to take care of these services at an early stage. You can often get tips on this from the previous tenant, especially if you are moving into an apartment that is already in use.

All households registered in Germany are obliged to pay the broadcasting fee, regardless of whether they use a television or radio set. After moving in, you should therefore register at www.rundfunkbeitrag.de to avoid possible additional payments or reminder fees.

The private housing market offers the greatest variety, from single rooms in shared flats (WGs) to entire apartments or houses. Platforms such as Immobilienscout24, WG-Gesucht or local estate agents can help you find offers. Please note that the providers mentioned here are only examples and the list is not exhaustive. Private rentals are often associated with higher prices and additional costs such as higher deposits. Be prepared for competition, especially for centrally located or inexpensive properties.

Municipal and non-profit housing providers

There are various municipal housing providers in Dortmund that offer affordable housing. These include

• Spar- und Bauverein Wohnungsgesellschaft (Tel.: 0231 182030, website)
• DoGeWo - Dortmunder Gemeinnützige Wohnungsgesellschaft (Tel.: 0231 10830, website)
• City of Dortmund - Office for Housing - Housing Supply (Tel.: 0231 50 16200, website)
• Vivawest Wohnen GmbH (Tel.: 0231 396930,  website)
• LEG Wohnen NRW GmbH (Tel.: 0231 41902134, website)
• GWS-Wohnen (Tel.: 0231 9413140, website)
• GWG Hombruch-Barop-Dortmund (Tel.: 0231 7920510, website)
• Julius Ewald Schmitt Grundstücksgesellschaft (Tel.: 0231 2269950, website)

Other options for living space

In addition to traditional rental apartments, there are alternative options: Furnished apartments etc. for researchers.

• Mitwohnzentrale (Home Company) (Tel.: 0231 19445, website)
• AStA-Wohnungsbörse: A platform especially for students.

Please note: The apartments listed here are only examples. The list does not claim to be exhaustive and does not constitute a recommendation or preference for any of the options listed. Please check each offer yourself to ensure that it is up-to-date and suitable.

• Immobilienscout24
• eBay Classifieds
• Housing Anywhere
• Home Company
• WG wanted
• Student housing market
• Zymma
• Intermediate rent
• Immo
• Immowelt
• Interlodge
• Locanto

Note: The portals listed here are intended solely as examples. The list does not claim to be exhaustive and does not constitute a recommendation or preference for any of the options listed. Please check each offer yourself to ensure that it is up-to-date and suitable.

Youth hostels, hostels or Airbnb can be a solution for the transitional period or in the event that you have not found accommodation before your arrival. Please note, however, that these options do not usually issue a landlord's confirmation of residence and you will therefore not be able to register temporary accommodation with the Office for Migration.

In addition to the options mentioned above, you can also search for more expensive accommodation on platforms such as wg-gesucht.de. These websites offer a wide range of options, from shared rooms to complete apartments. Once you have found more expensive but not temporary accommodation, you can search for cheaper options again from there without any time pressure. For this purpose, I also recommend taking a look at Das Zeitwohnportal, a platform that specializes in temporary furnished accommodation. This can be a good solution for finding accommodation quickly while you continue your search for a long-term apartment.

After moving in, you must register with the local immigration office within 14 days. You need the following documents for this:

• Valid passport
• Landlord's confirmation of residence with details of the landlord and move-in date

How to protect yourself from housing fraud

1. Be wary of "bargain offers"
   • Be careful if the rent is significantly below market value - scammers often lure you in with particularly low prices.
   • Example: A furnished room in a shared apartment for €200 in the center of Dortmund is unrealistically cheap and should alert you.
2. Arrange a personal viewing
   • Insist on seeing the apartment in person before signing the contract. Photos may have been edited or stolen from other advertisements.
   • Tip: If necessary, take someone you trust with you, especially if you are new to the city.
3. No advance payments without a contract
   • Never transfer a deposit or rent before you have signed the rental agreement and received the keys in person.
   • Reputable landlords usually only request the deposit after handover and with written proof (e.g., "rental deposit guarantee" from banks).
4. Check the rental agreement carefully
   • Read each clause carefully, especially regarding the rent amount, ancillary costs and notice periods.
   • If anything is unclear, ask for a copy of the contract in German and English or have it reviewed by an advice center.
5. Verify identity and ownership
   • Make sure that you can verify the identity of the landlord and search the internet for information about the landlord or rental company.
6. Use trustworthy platforms
   • Give preference to established portals such as Immobilienscout24, Immowelt or wg-gesucht.de. Listings on pure social media sites are often less verified.
   • Look out for verified provider profiles and complete contact information.
7. Choose secure payment methods
   • Pay the deposit and rent by bank transfer to a German bank account, never in cash in advance.
   • Avoid making payments via unsecured apps or to foreign accounts without traceable owner details.

Good to know: Most landlords in Dortmund are reputable and are happy to have reliable tenants. A healthy dose of caution will help you to avoid scams as much as possible. Good luck with your search!