Housing

Rental contract, deposit of up to three months' rent, landlord confirmation, fraud.

• Deposit (Kaution): at most three months' net rent (excluding running costs), payable in three instalments, and the landlord must invest it separately (§ 551 BGB).
• Landlord confirmation: the landlord must confirm your move-in in writing or electronically for the Anmeldung (§ 19 BMG).
• Get a written rental contract and keep a handover protocol with photos. Berlin rent rules (for example the rent brake) and the Mieterverein advice offers were not verified; see berlin.de and the Berliner Mieterverein.
• Never pay a deposit or fee before a viewing and never by cash transfer to a stranger; fake flat offers are common (Scams).
• If the employer offers housing, read Workers' rights first: rent deducted from wages and tied housing create dependence.