Commission-free apartments (provisionsfrei)
"Provisionsfrei" means no estate-agent fee – and moving in is a lot cheaper without one. German law already protects renters here, but knowing how it works helps you spot the good listings, avoid unfair fees, and win the flats everyone else also wants.
What provisionsfrei means – and the Bestellerprinzip
An estate-agent commission (Provision or Maklergebühr) can run to a couple of months' rent. "Provisionsfrei" means you don't pay it: the flat is offered directly by the landlord, or by an agent the landlord pays.
The Bestellerprinzip: for rentals, whoever hires the agent pays. Because the landlord usually engages the agent, tenants generally don't owe a commission at all. If you're asked to pay a finder's fee for a rental you didn't commission, question it.
How to find them
- Use the "provisionsfrei" filter on the portals to show only fee-free listings.
- Look at private landlords – many listings on WG-Gesucht and Kleinanzeigen have no agent involved at all.
- Housing companies & cooperatives rent directly and are commission-free by nature – often cheaper and more secure too.
Why they're competitive – and how to win one
Because a commission-free flat saves you a big up-front cost, it draws even more applicants than usual. The winning move is the same as for any tight listing: reply fast, with a complete and personal application in German, so you land near the top of the inbox before the flat is gone.
Careful with "too good" fee-free listings
Scammers love the word "provisionsfrei" combined with a very low rent to lure people in. As always: never pay a deposit or any fee before viewing the flat in person and signing a contract. More on rental scams →
Be first on the fee-free flats
WohnungsBewerber reads the listing, writes your personal German application letter and pre-fills the contact form on all five big portals – so you apply first on the commission-free flats everyone wants. You review and send it yourself. Free, data stays local.
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Frequently asked questions
What does "provisionsfrei" mean?
No estate-agent commission to pay. The flat is offered directly by the landlord or by an agent the landlord pays, so you don't pay a separate finder's fee on top of the deposit and first rent.
Do tenants pay the agent commission in Germany?
For rentals, the Bestellerprinzip applies – whoever hires the agent pays. Since the landlord usually does, tenants generally don't pay a commission. Question any finder's fee for a rental you didn't commission.
How do I find commission-free apartments?
Use the "provisionsfrei" filter, look at private listings (WG-Gesucht, Kleinanzeigen) and at housing companies and cooperatives that rent directly. They're popular, so apply quickly.
Why are they harder to get?
They save a big up-front cost, so they attract even more applicants. Win one the same way as any tight listing: reply fast with a complete, personal German application.