Doorstep

First weeks in Germany

Finding a flat without getting scammed

Where to search, what landlords want and how scams work.

Housing is the biggest worry for most newcomers – especially in Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin. Start early and be careful.

Where to search

• Doorstep listings – every landlord is checked by our team
• Student halls of the local Studierendenwerk (apply months in advance)
• Shared flats (WG) and furnished temporary flats for the first months

What landlords ask for

• Copy of passport and visa
• Proof of income (job contract, payslips) or blocked account and scholarship
• SCHUFA credit report – as a newcomer you do not have one yet. Offer your job contract or bank statements instead.

Know the words

• Kaltmiete: rent without heating and service charges
• Warmmiete: rent including heating and service charges
• Kaution (deposit): at most 3 months' cold rent, and you may pay it in 3 instalments

How scams work

- The "landlord" lives abroad and wants to send the keys after payment.
- You are asked to pay by Western Union, gift cards or crypto.
- The flat is very cheap for the area and there is "a lot of interest".
Never pay anything before you have seen the flat (in person or by live video) and signed a contract. Report suspicious offers to us.

All guides

Doorstep is a free app for Indians moving to and living in Germany, by Arenja & Raj Finanz GmbH. Imprint · Privacy