Renting as a student in Germany
Students face two extra hurdles: little or no income, and no German credit history. But landlords rent to students all the time – the trick is to make the rent look safe another way and to apply where students actually get in. Here's how.
Where students actually find rooms
- WG-Gesucht: the main portal for WG rooms (shared flats) – the most common and affordable student option, and the friendliest for newcomers.
- Studierendenwerk: the student services organisation offers dorms and student flats. Cheap and popular, so apply as early as possible – waiting lists can be months long.
- Kleinanzeigen & university boards: private rooms and sublets, often posted informally. Move fast and watch for scams.
How to convince a landlord without income
Offer a parental guarantee
An Elternbürgschaft – your parents guaranteeing the rent, backed by proof of their income – is the single strongest argument. It reassures the landlord that the rent is covered. How a guarantee works →
Show proof of study and funding
Your enrolment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung), plus a scholarship, BAföG confirmation or blocked-account (Sperrkonto) statement, all show stability and funding.
Address the "no SCHUFA" point calmly
If you've just arrived you'll have no SCHUFA yet – that's normal. Lead with the guarantee instead of the credit topic. SCHUFA for foreigners →
The WG application: be a person, not a CV
For a WG room you're applying to the flatmates who'll live with you, not a property manager. A warm, specific message beats a formal one: say who you are, what you study, a little about your day-to-day, why their flat appeals, and – briefly – that the rent is secured. Keep the formal documents ready, but let personality lead. The season matters too: demand peaks before the September/October and March/April semester starts, so start early.
Apply to WG rooms in German, fast
WohnungsBewerber reads the listing on WG-Gesucht and the other portals and writes a personal message in German – warm for WGs, formal for agencies – then pre-fills the contact form. You review and send it yourself. Free, no account, data stays local.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I rent as a student with no income?
Offer security another way: a parental guarantee is the strongest option, backed by proof of your parents' income. Proof of enrolment, a scholarship or BAföG confirmation, and savings also help. Landlords often accept students when the rent is clearly covered.
Where do students find housing?
WG-Gesucht for shared flats, the Studierendenwerk for dorms and student flats (apply early), and Kleinanzeigen or university boards for private rooms.
What is a WG and how do I apply?
A shared flat where you rent a room and share kitchen and bathroom. You apply to the flatmates, so a warm, personal message matters more than formal documents – show who you are and that the rent is covered.
Should I apply for dorms early?
Yes. Studierendenwerk dorms are cheap and popular, with waiting lists of months, especially before semester start. Apply as soon as you're admitted and search WGs in parallel.