Flat hunting: tips and recognising fraud

In short: When looking for a flat a complete application folder, quick reaction and caution about fraudsters help. Advance payments for viewings or keys are a clear warning sign.

In more detail: Reputable landlords do not ask for money before a viewing.

In detail

• Application folder: Self-disclosure, proof of income, credit report, proof of no rent arrears (schufa-und-bonität-was-der-score-bedeutet).
• Search portals: Use several, set up a search agent, get in touch early.
• Viewing: Check condition, mould, windows, noise and service charges (richtig-lueften-und-schimmel-vermeiden).
• Tenancy agreement: Read carefully before signing (mietvertrag-die-wichtigsten-punkte-vor-der-unterschrift).
• Deposit: At most three months’ net rent (mietkaution).
• Fraud warning signs: Rent too cheap, landlord abroad, payment in advance, pressure to hurry.
• Estate agent: Mind the orderer principle (maklerprovision-und-bestellerprinzip).
• Entitlement: Check housing benefit and housing entitlement certificate (wohngeld).