Avoiding Housing Scams in Germany

Finding accommodation in Europe (especially Germany) is notoriously difficult. Scammers know this and target desperate international students. Here is how to protect yourself.

1. The "Western Union / Mail the Keys" Scam

This is the most common scam on WG-Gesucht and Facebook groups. You message a landlord, and they reply with a very long, emotional story (often in perfect English, unlike most German landlords).

Red Flags

  • They claim they are currently working abroad (e.g., in the UK or Spain).
  • They cannot show you the flat in person.
  • They promise to mail you the keys via DHL/FedEx if you transfer the deposit (Kaution) via Western Union or to an offshore bank account.

The Rule: Never transfer money before signing a contract AND physically seeing the apartment.

2. The Fake Airbnb Link

The scammer will tell you that to secure the apartment safely, they have uploaded it to Airbnb. They will send you a link to book it. However, the link is a highly realistic phishing site that looks exactly like Airbnb but has a strange URL (e.g., airbnb-booking-secure.com). If you pay there, your money is gone.

3. Understanding Kaution (Deposit)

In Germany, the deposit is usually 3 months' "Kaltmiete" (cold rent). Legally, you are allowed to pay this in three monthly installments starting from the day you move in. You do NOT have to pay the entire Kaution weeks before moving in, especially if you haven't seen the place.

4. Where to Search for Accommodation

In Germany, there are several popular platforms to search for housing. However, as a newcomer, navigating these without local knowledge can be risky.

  • WG-Gesucht: The biggest platform for shared apartments (WGs). High competition, but the best place to find a room. Be wary of scams as mentioned above!
  • ImmoScout24: Good for renting entire apartments, but usually requires a solid income proof (Schufa, payslips).
  • Facebook Groups: Search for groups like "Indians in [City Name]" or "WG & Wohnung [City Name]". Be very careful here as Facebook has the highest concentration of scammers.

Best Approach for Newcomers

We highly recommend connecting with the local community to find accommodation. It will significantly reduce your chances of getting scammed. Current students often move out and pass their rooms to newcomers, or sublet their rooms (Zwischenmiete) when they travel. Network with seniors, join our Community groups, and reach out to them directly before relying solely on public platforms.

Pro Tip for Marathi Students

If you are arriving in a new city and don't have housing yet, don't panic-rent an expensive or suspicious place. Reach out on our Sahayak page. Many senior Maharashtrian students can offer temporary accommodation (Zwischenmiete) or let you crash on their couch for a few days while you hunt locally.