Avoid Scams & Illegal Sublets in Germany: What International Students Must Know

Germany is a top destination for international students, known for its excellent universities and vibrant cities. However, navigating the housing market, especially from abroad, can be challenging. Because of high demand and competitive rental markets in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg, international students are often vulnerable to rental scams and issues related to illegal subletting. Understanding your rights and the legal landscape is essential to securing safe accommodation and starting your academic journey stress-free.

This guide provides a student-first approach to understanding the critical risks associated with finding accommodation in Germany. While this information is designed to be practical and safety-focused, please remember that it is informational only and not legal advice. For country-specific support in preparing for your move, explore Documentation Support for Students in Europe.

1) Why This Matters for International Students

International students face unique vulnerabilities in the German housing search:

• • Lack of local knowledge: You may not be familiar with standard rental processes, expected rent prices, or common legal documents, making it harder to spot a fake listing or an improper contract.
• • Pressure and urgency: Often, students need to secure housing before arriving in Germany to obtain their visa or complete university registration, leading to rash decisions and paying deposits too early.
• • Language barriers: Rental contracts and legal discussions are almost always in German, which can mask crucial details regarding subletting permissions or tenant obligations.

2) Simple Explanation of the Concept: Scams vs. Illegal Sublets

Rental Scams (Betrug)

A scam is an act of fraud designed to steal money or personal data, usually by promising an apartment that doesn’t exist or one the scammer doesn’t own. Common scams include demanding payments (like deposits or the first month’s rent) before you have signed a lease, seen the apartment, or received the keys. Scammers often operate entirely online.

Illegal Sublets (Illegale Untervermietung)

A sublet (Untermiete) is when a main tenant rents out their apartment (or part of it) to a subtenant (you). In Germany, subletting is legal, but the main tenant must have explicit permission from their original landlord (Hauptvermieter). An illegal sublet occurs when the main tenant sublets the property without this required permission, placing the subtenant in a legally precarious situation.

3) Student-Specific Risks & Common Misunderstandings

The Risk of Eviction in an Illegal Sublet

If you enter into an illegal sublet, the main landlord can terminate the primary tenant’s lease (for breach of contract). If the primary lease is terminated, you, as the subtenant, have no direct legal relationship with the main landlord and can face eviction proceedings, known as a Räumungsklage. You could be forced to move out on short notice, incurring significant financial and academic disruption.

Misunderstanding Fixed-Term Contracts (Befristet)

Many student accommodations use fixed-term contracts which clearly state the move-in and move-out dates. Unlike some countries, in Germany, neither party is typically obligated to renew a fixed-term contract after it expires. Ensure you understand the exact duration and conditions before signing.

Deposit & Advance Payment Pressure

A legitimate German deposit (Kaution) is typically up to three months of cold rent (Kaltmiete) and must, by law, be held in a separate, secure escrow account (Mietkautionskonto) for the duration of your tenancy. Scammers often demand the full deposit and first month’s rent transferred via untraceable methods (like Western Union or cryptocurrency) before any contract is signed or keys are exchanged. Never pay anything before you have physically signed the contract and verified the property’s legitimacy.

4) Practical Examples Students Face

Here are situations where international students are commonly targeted:

• • The “Absent Landlord” Scam: The supposed landlord claims they are abroad (often due to military service, missionary work, or a job transfer) and cannot show the apartment. They send photos and a detailed lease but insist you pay the deposit and sign the contract immediately to receive the keys by mail.
• • The Fake Platform/Agent Fee: You find a seemingly perfect apartment. Before you can view it, the “agent” demands a one-time “platform fee” or “verification fee.” Once paid, they disappear or provide a fake contact. Legitimate agents are paid only upon successful contract completion.
• • The Unverified Sublet: You are offered a room quickly in a large apartment. The main tenant confirms they are the legal renter but fails to mention they never asked their landlord for permission to sublet. You sign, move in, and six months later, the main landlord discovers the unauthorized arrangement and demands your eviction.

For support with the necessary documentation and processes for securing housing, consider using services that offer Student Relocation Support in Germany.

5) Prevention Checklist: What to Verify and What to Avoid

Protect yourself by strictly adhering to these rules:

What to Verify (The Essentials)

• • Verify Ownership/Authority: Ask the person signing the contract for their ID and proof that they own the property or are legally authorized to rent it out (e.g., a letter from the actual property manager).
• • Visit In-Person (or via trusted proxy): Never sign a lease or transfer funds without physically seeing the apartment. If you cannot be in Germany, use a reputable, verified platform or hire a local service to view it for you.
• • Review the Deposit Account: Ensure the deposit (Kaution) will be paid into a dedicated, state-protected escrow account (Mietkautionskonto) in your name. Do not transfer the deposit directly into a personal bank account of the landlord or main tenant unless it is a verified platform.
• • Check Sublet Permission (If applicable): If you are subletting from a main tenant, ask to see the main rental contract and the explicit, written permission from the main landlord (Hauptvermieter) allowing them to sublet to you. If they cannot produce this, walk away.
• • Check the Address: Use Google Maps and a reverse image search on the apartment photos. If the photos appear on multiple websites under different names/cities, it’s a scam.

What to Avoid (Red Flags)

• • Avoid any request for untraceable payment methods (e.g., Bitcoin, wire transfers to international accounts like Western Union).
• • Avoid signing a contract without fully understanding the terms. Have the German contract reviewed by a German speaker or legal counsel.
• • Avoid any landlord who asks for a “finder’s fee” or “bribe” (Schmiergeld) in cash to secure the flat.
• • Avoid extreme urgency. Legitimate landlords allow time for review and verification.

6) How Luxe Settle Helps

Navigating the German housing market’s complexities, especially the documentation and legal checks needed to avoid scams and illegal sublets, can be overwhelming for new international students. Luxe Settle provides verification and relocation services designed specifically to eliminate these risks.

We work with verified landlords and adhere to strict safety protocols, ensuring that your accommodation search is secure, transparent, and compliant with German rental laws. Our support covers everything from checking property legitimacy to coordinating safe keys exchanges. Don’t risk your arrival—let us help you find safe, verified Accommodation in Germany.

If you need comprehensive assistance with all the necessary legal documents, residency permits, and official forms required for your move, our Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Housing laws in Germany are complex, and you should seek professional legal counsel for specific situations.