Prepare a folder of documents
Bring a folder with your Schufa, salary slips, and ID to the viewing. It signals to landlords that you are serious.
Phrases and vocabulary for apartment viewings, rental contracts, deposits, and follow-up questions for the landlord or property management.
Short cues that help immediately in a stressful real-life moment.
Bring a folder with your Schufa, salary slips, and ID to the viewing. It signals to landlords that you are serious.
Utility costs can vary widely. Ask about last year is actual amounts, not just the flat rate in the contract.
Do a handover protocol with the landlord on move-in day. Damages and defects must be recorded before the contract starts.
Short scripts for common moments you are likely to face on site.
You are calling about a listing.
Hello, I am calling about your apartment listing. When would a viewing be possible?
Should I send documents in advance?
You are walking through the apartment with the landlord.
How old are the windows, and has the heating been replaced recently?
Is there a basement or a parking spot?
You want to check the rental contract before signing.
I would like to read the contract in peace first. Can we speak again tomorrow?
Is there a minimum tenancy period?
Short, useful lines you can actually say out loud.
I am interested in the apartment in the listing.
Hello, I am interested in the apartment in your online listing and would like to view it.
When can I view the apartment?
When can I view the apartment? This week or next week would work for me.
How high is the deposit?
How high is the deposit, and in how many instalments can I pay it?
Are the utilities included in the rent?
Are heating, water, and waste included in the utilities, or are they charged separately?
Which documents do you need from me?
Which documents exactly do you need — Schufa, salary slips, and proof of no rent debts?
Is the apartment furnished?
Is the apartment furnished, or do I need to bring my own kitchen and furniture?
How long is the notice period?
How long is the notice period if I want to move out later?
When is the apartment available?
When is the apartment available? I could move in from the first of the month.
Core nouns and terms that come up again and again in this situation.
rent
Rent is always due on the third of the month.
deposit
The deposit is three months of rent.
rental contract
Please read the rental contract carefully before signing.
utilities
The utilities are settled once a year.
apartment
The apartment is on the third floor without a lift.
viewing
The viewing only takes fifteen minutes.
notice period
The statutory notice period is three months.
landlord
The landlord lives in the ground-floor flat himself.
Natural wording for the follow-up questions people ask all the time in this situation.
Say: I would very much like to rent the apartment. Could you send me the rental contract?
Ask: What were the average utility costs last year? Concrete amounts help more than just the flat rate.
Ask: What notice period applies, and how is the deposit returned at the end? It is wise to ask in writing.