If you are still living in accommodation provided by the district, you must now find your own flat. Advice centres will help you with this, but it takes a lot of time and the advisors are usually unable to accompany you to viewings. The search can therefore be very time-consuming.
You should be aware that finding suitable accommodation is currently a major problem for many people in Germany. Nevertheless, you must try and provide evidence of your search so that you can remain in the guaranteed accommodation for a while longer if necessary.
The following information may help you:
1. If you receive "Citizen's benefit" (=Bürgergeld vom Jobcenter), you are bound by certain rules. This applies to the maximum cost of accommodation as well as the maximum size. Before you start looking for accommodation, you need to find out more. Here is the link to the document detailing the permitted costs: VwV_Unterkunfts-_und_Heizungskosten_2024.pdf
2. Most people search for a flat using online search portals. These include, for example:
Immoscout24
Immowelt
Immosuchmaschine
Immobilo
Wohnung-Jetzt
WG-Gesucht
However, you can also contact the housing associations directly and enquire there. Here is an overview:
Wohnen - Landkreis Sächsische Schweiz - Osterzgebirge
3. Watch out for hidden costs. There is a basic rent and a rent including utilities. Basic rent does not include utilities. Utilities are for heating and hot water. You have to pay extra for electricity.
You should budget €2 to €3 per square metre for utilities.
Example for an 80 square metre flat:
Basic rent: €650
Utilities: £160 to £240
-> Rent including utilities = £810 to £890
If the utilities are quoted too low, you may have to pay extra later. This can suddenly become very expensive.
Here is a checklist of everything you need to consider (including for flats):
Checklisten für den Verbraucher-Alltag in Deutschland | Verbraucherzentrale.de
4. If you have an appointment to view the property:
Take all the necessary documents with you to the appointment. Pack the documents neatly in a folder. Prepare questions and sentences and be polite.
Documents you will need:
- Copy of your ID
- Proof of income (salary statements or benefit statements)
- Certificate of no rent arrears
- Tenant self-disclosure form (for example: Mieterselbstauskunft: Kostenlose PDF-Vorlage [Download])
Here you will find further information and tips on living in Germany:
www.make-it-in-germany.de/wohnenundanmelden