Guide for tenants

Berlin is a great city and is characterised by diversity in many ways. The city is the seat of government and a cultural metropolis. But is Berlin a good place to live? In an international comparison, Berlin is one of the most liveable cities in the whole world. Berlin is growing steadily because more and more people want to live in the capital. Cities offer many advantages in terms of jobs and leisure activities. Despite the high demand for living space, Berlin scores with many open spaces that enrich life in the city. For example, about 40 per cent of the city area consists of forests, agriculture, bodies of water, allotments and parks. 13 percent of Berlin is available for recreation, leisure or sports. In order to enjoy the advantages of the city in the best possible way, you should consider which part of Berlin best suits your living needs. Each district is defined by different characteristics, so that the districts of Berlin can almost be considered individual cities.

Handover with protocol and keys: Tenants should always record everything in writing when moving in and out. From moving in to moving out of your apartment – tenancy law plays an important role at every stage. In Berlin, the general German tenancy laws apply, supplemented by local regulations such as the rent cap. This guide provides an overview for tenants (as of May 2025) of what you need to be aware of at the start of the tenancy (moving in) and at the end (moving out). What do I need to bear in mind when giving notice? In what condition must the apartment be returned? And what deadlines apply? You will find the answers here – legally sound, understandable and practical.