# Berlin - Housing in Berlin

Find a room. Know what you are signing.

### Start with studierendenWERK BERLIN

Use the Housing Portal to apply and manage your application. Check the list of participating Berlin universities and the current contact notice before applying.

[studierendenWERK BERLIN housing](https://www.stw.berlin/en/housing/housing-portal.html)

## Keep a second search running

A residence application is not a booking. Compare shared-flat rooms and private rentals in Berlin while you wait. Check the address, the landlord or main tenant, the total monthly cost and the contract before paying.

## Before you sign

-   Kaution is a refundable security deposit. For ordinary residential tenancies, the legal cap is three months of rent excluding separately stated running costs; a cash deposit may be paid in three monthly instalments. Check your contract before paying.
-   Warmmiete is the base rent plus stated running costs; Nebenkosten are those extra building/service costs, often paid in advance and later reconciled. Ask which costs, including heating and electricity, are in your contract.
-   Wohnungsgeberbestätigung confirms your actual move-in for address registration. The owner or main tenant signs it. It is separate from the rental contract.
-   Scam warning: verify the person and the room before sending money or sensitive documents. Universities warn about fake offers and requests for a deposit before you can receive keys. Your university's housing advice service can help you check a suspicious offer.

Local source checked 1 October 2026. Check the provider for current eligibility and availability.

---

Source: https://germandex.com/berlin/housing

Language: en