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Problems finding an apartment as a student
How to prove you can afford paying the rent
I've been looking for a new place to live lately. I've found some nice flats, but the agents always want either my last three salary slips, or for my parents to take on the rental contract themselves. Problem is, I haven't earned a salary since um... quite long ago, and I don't really have any parents in the country at the moment. I have enough money to pay rent for several years. Has anyone else had a similar experience or have tips of what I can do to convince agents that I'm not a tramp?
Show them bank statements that prove you're loaded, obviously
I am going to have to try that, but isn't there some way of doing this and still maintaining some privacy? I don't want people to have copies of my bank statements.
might be a daft idea: do you have any trustworthy german friends?. they could write you a letter of recommendation?
Yup, it's called a Bürgschafft. It's a signed security by a third party (ie your parents or a wage earning friend) that they will pay the bills if you default.
Assuming it was my apartment, all I see is an unemployed student who says he can cover the rent. A letter of recommendation from an unknown person, German or not, won't cut it with me. If I can't see your bank statement to satisfy myself that you can cover the rent then I wouldn't give you the apartment. I wouldn't want a copy of it, I'd be happy if you bring it around, let me have a looksee so that I know you didn't just get a drop of cash yesterday and that'd do the trick.
Edit: A signed security, as JS mentioned, would be different. That'd satisfy me too assuming that the individual is not just a student buddy but someone I know will be in a position to cover it.
Edit: A signed security, as JS mentioned, would be different. That'd satisfy me too assuming that the individual is not just a student buddy but someone I know will be in a position to cover it.
My German friends are all fairly young - many of them are students. I haven't made friends with any priests or other such "trustworthy" people here. But wouldn't a letter of recommendation look a bit desperate anyway?
Okay, but how does the Bürgschaft thing work? Does that person have to then submit their salary slips?
You should read what Keydeck wrote above. Students don't change do them - too much day time TV if you ask me!!!
If you are student you most have some form of income...savings, grant, scholarship, or a nebenjob. All the Agents want to see is what that form that income will be - otherwise they are assuming that your parents are subbing you...so if it is not the case - help the Agents and help you by providing them with the relevant information i.e. proof of your income or what your income will be... bank statement, College letter stating your grant income, Scholarship letter, pay slips from your neben job...
You could if you wanted to offer to increase the deposit as well - it's already bloody high in Germany 3 months rent but that will also give them a further cushion should you default or you spend too much of your savings on beer whilst watching day time tv.
If you are student you most have some form of income...savings, grant, scholarship, or a nebenjob. All the Agents want to see is what that form that income will be - otherwise they are assuming that your parents are subbing you...so if it is not the case - help the Agents and help you by providing them with the relevant information i.e. proof of your income or what your income will be... bank statement, College letter stating your grant income, Scholarship letter, pay slips from your neben job...
You could if you wanted to offer to increase the deposit as well - it's already bloody high in Germany 3 months rent but that will also give them a further cushion should you default or you spend too much of your savings on beer whilst watching day time tv.
Jesus just paid the lease in full, if you do have the money, like you say you do.
@Stanford: I haven't had a TV for about 5 years now. I'm just naturally a bit slow...
QUOTE (adrian_t @ May 25 2007, 2:10 pm) 
I am going to have to try that, but isn't there some way of doing this and still maintaining some privacy? I don't want people to have copies of my bank statements.
Well if you had an income, then they may ask to see proof of income - ie payslips, which is also an invasion of privacy. In fact, I can't think of any way to prove that you have money without looking into your private affairs.
Flash him a big wad of cash.
Last try to help this student without a TV.
Make a copy of your bank statement and blank out the porn subscription direct debit etc since I'm sure the Agents are only interest in the balance!!!
Make a copy of your bank statement and blank out the porn subscription direct debit etc since I'm sure the Agents are only interest in the balance!!!
Not just the balance I'm afraid. I don't care what the outgoings and incomings are for, so as far as I would be concerned you can blank out the detail of the transactions, but not the amounts. I want to be sure that the person didn't just borrow a wedge from someone the day before and lodge it into his account.
Okay, thanks for the help. I'm going to show the agent(s) my bank statements and old salary slips. If they want to make copies of my bank statements I'll insist on blanking out a few things first. But I'd still like to know how foreign students who don't have parents here manage to get flats?
I found a letter from my employer stating that my contract was open ended and stating my salary helped.
QUOTE (adrian_t @ May 25 2007, 2:29 pm)
But I'd still like to know how foreign students who don't have parents here manage to get flats?
I'd suspect that they get jobs like normal people or else just get lucky with landlords who don't care.
Just turn up wearing loads of bling and with 2 hot bitches on your arm. Always works a charm.
I don't think foreign students are allowed to get jobs here. And if you know any landlords who don't care, please introduce us.
Can't you just get a statement from your bank to say that your good for the cash?
@Marshbot: You don't happen to have the day off do you?
Edit: and I'd need one more to go along with then, so bring a friend...
Edit: and I'd need one more to go along with then, so bring a friend...
@Allershausen: tried that already - I would have thought they'd be happy to do it, but they apparently don't do that kind of thing here.
My landlord never looked at my work contract or anything. Heck he didn't actually ask for any paperwork from me. Meet me to show me around, then called to ask what my name was to put on the contract. I'd say keep looking until you found someone who is happy like that. Or go the easy way and show them you have the cash.
QUOTE (adrian_t @ May 25 2007, 2:33 pm)
Edit: and I'd need one more to go along with then, so bring a friend...
Sheriff of Nottingham: [to a wench] You. My room. 10:30 tonight.
Sheriff of Nottingham: [to another wench] You. 10:45... And bring a friend.
Hehe, I might have to borrow some bling too. I really am pathetically organised.
A pathetically organised unemployed student. Quite the catch for any landlord. Will be keeping an eye out if you come sniffing 'round any of my properties. Cheers for the heads up.
Seriously though, is it such a big deal to show the bank statements? Just prove that you have the cash and there shouldn't be a problem. Bish bash bosh, sorted.
Seriously though, is it such a big deal to show the bank statements? Just prove that you have the cash and there shouldn't be a problem. Bish bash bosh, sorted.
QUOTE (adrian_t @ May 25 2007, 2:29 pm)
Okay, thanks for the help. I'm going to show the agent(s) my bank statements and old salary slips. If they want to make copies of my bank statements I'll insist on blanking out a few things first. But I'd still like to know how foreign students who don't have parents here manage to get flats?
I had my parents with me when I signed the lease... I signed it, but my parents pay for the rent... But I think the main point here is you are going through an agent. Many people rent out rooms or apartments privately, and they are probably not as likely to ask for a bank statement.
QUOTE (adrian_t @ May 25 2007, 2:32 pm)
I don't think foreign students are allowed to get jobs here. And if you know any landlords who don't care, please introduce us.
Yes they can as far as I know. I have known exchange students who have had a job here. It is limited to a certain amount of hours though.
Any of your properties? Hi there Keydeck, allow me to introduce myself...
@Mariposa: as much as I'd love to find a private landlord and avoid paying Provision, they're pretty scarce in Munich and tend to have so much demand for their flats that they run beauty contests to see who deserves them.
Oh okay, I see, that's understandable. I have never had to find an apartment in Munich (I moved away after high school), but I think my brother & his girlfriend found theirs through an agent as well. Not sure if our dad signed the lease for them or if they did.
I'm 19, was an aupair at the time and got my flat through the quoka website. 1st place I looked at even. The hard part I found was finding a place for a short time rather than finding someone who cared how I was going to pay the rent. Go private if it's all to hard.
I got mine here through Quoka as well I think. That or the local newspaper, I don't remember (it's also possible it was advertised in both places).
Thanks. I didn't know that website - I'll check it out.
How about that flat from DFXman's friend (as advertised yesterday)? I reckon they won't need any paperwork at all just a 5,000 € bung... It seemed very legit
Update: when I pulled out my bank statements, the agent closed her eyes, turned her face away, and said she didn't want to see them. She phoned up the owners - they insisted on a Bürgschaft from my parents, which is apparently the only way things are done here with students.
So I've been promised the flat I want on condition that my father signs security when he gets back from holiday. Ironically, he doesn't work either, but I suppose they won't mind that.
So I've been promised the flat I want on condition that my father signs security when he gets back from holiday. Ironically, he doesn't work either, but I suppose they won't mind that.
The want the parents to sign for a 27 year old??
Sounds like it's coming from the Owners then...unfortunately sometimes if a Owner has had a bad experience it means they will seem a little anal or overly cautious to the next renter. We are in that situation with our present Landlandy all because the last guy staid in her flat for 10 months rent free. It seems that in Germany it's hard to kick people out...
Anyhow best of luck getting it sorted out...
Anyhow best of luck getting it sorted out...
Sounds like it's coming from the Owners then...unfortunately sometimes if a Owner has had a bad experience it means they will seem a little anal or overly cautious to the next renter. We are in that situation with our present Landlandy all because the last guy staid in her flat for 10 months rent free. It seems that in Germany it's hard to kick people out...
Anyhow best of luck getting it sorted out...
Anyhow best of luck getting it sorted out...
Ah, Munich and asshole landlords.
Where do you want to live and what is your expectations regarding how much you would like to pay?
I might be able to hook you up. Might!?!?!
Also, where will you study and what is your degree to be?
Where do you want to live and what is your expectations regarding how much you would like to pay?
I might be able to hook you up. Might!?!?!
Also, where will you study and what is your degree to be?
QUOTE (adrian_t @ May 25 2007, 2:32 pm)
I don't think foreign students are allowed to get jobs here. And if you know any landlords who don't care, please introduce us.
Foreign students are allowed work just as local students, which is I think like 19 hours a week.
Try this web site:
http://www.wg-gesucht.de
Its for flat shares and also 1-2 room apartments - usually from private hands, and usually from owners who are used to students.
Good luck.
As far as I know local students can work as much as they want, but:
- they will have to pay taxes if they go over a certain amount (a little over €7000/year)
- their parents may not get Kindergeld anymore if they go over a certain amount (not sure how much it is)
- they may not get Bafög anymore
- they will have to get insured as non-students (health insurance) if they work more than part time, since they are not considered students then anymore.
As a foreigner with a student visa you have to keep the student status, else your visa becomes invalid.
You can work 90 full days a year or 180 half days (note: this is not valid for EU citizens, for EU citizens there is no limitation except for the Eastern European EU countries).
Source
- they will have to pay taxes if they go over a certain amount (a little over €7000/year)
- their parents may not get Kindergeld anymore if they go over a certain amount (not sure how much it is)
- they may not get Bafög anymore
- they will have to get insured as non-students (health insurance) if they work more than part time, since they are not considered students then anymore.
As a foreigner with a student visa you have to keep the student status, else your visa becomes invalid.
You can work 90 full days a year or 180 half days (note: this is not valid for EU citizens, for EU citizens there is no limitation except for the Eastern European EU countries).
QUOTE
Allgemeine Informationen
Wenn Sie als ausländischer Bürger in Deutschland studieren, ist das Studium selbstverständlich der Hauptzweck Ihres Aufenthaltes. Um sich Ihr Studium zu finanzieren, dürfen Sie begrenzt in einem Nebenjob arbeiten.
Sie sind kein Bürger aus Staaten der Europäischen Union (EU) oder des Europäischen Wirtschaftsraumes (EWR)? Ohne eine besondere Genehmigung dürfen Sie im Kalenderjahr neben Ihrem Studium einer Beschäftigung von höchstens 90 Tagen nachgehen (alternativ auch 180 halben Tage). Diese Regelung gilt auch, wenn Sie aus den EU-Ländern Estland, Lettland, Litauen, Polen, der Slowakei, Slowenien, der Tschechischen Republik und Ungarn kommen.
Bei einer längeren Beschäftigung (auch Praktika!) – bezahlt oder unentgeltlich – benötigen Sie vor Beginn eine Zulassung durch die Ausländerbehörde. Als Bürger aus Estland, Lettland, Litauen, Polen, der Slowakei, Slowenien, der Tschechischen Republik und Ungarn wenden Sie sich dazu an die Agentur für Arbeit.
Keine Einschränkungen gelten für
* Staatsangehörige eines Mitgliedstaates der Europäischen Union (außer Estland, Lettland, Litauen, Polen, Slowakei, Slowenien, Tschechische Republik und Ungarn),
* Staatsangehörige eines Vertragstaates des Europäischen Wirtschaftsraumes (EWR-Staaten: Island, Lichtenstein, Norwegen),
* Staatsangehörige der Schweiz.
Eine längerfristige Erwerbstätigkeit (über 90 Tage) kann als Teilzeit nur zugelassen werden, wenn dadurch der auf das Studium beschränkte Aufenthaltszweck nicht verändert und das Studium nicht erschwert oder verlängert wird.
ACHTUNG: Beginnen Sie erst mit der Arbeit, wenn Sie die Zulassung haben. Die Bestimmungen für ausländische Studierende sind sehr streng. Sie können ausgewiesen werden, wenn Sie dagegen verstoßen!
Wenn Sie als ausländischer Bürger in Deutschland studieren, ist das Studium selbstverständlich der Hauptzweck Ihres Aufenthaltes. Um sich Ihr Studium zu finanzieren, dürfen Sie begrenzt in einem Nebenjob arbeiten.
Sie sind kein Bürger aus Staaten der Europäischen Union (EU) oder des Europäischen Wirtschaftsraumes (EWR)? Ohne eine besondere Genehmigung dürfen Sie im Kalenderjahr neben Ihrem Studium einer Beschäftigung von höchstens 90 Tagen nachgehen (alternativ auch 180 halben Tage). Diese Regelung gilt auch, wenn Sie aus den EU-Ländern Estland, Lettland, Litauen, Polen, der Slowakei, Slowenien, der Tschechischen Republik und Ungarn kommen.
Bei einer längeren Beschäftigung (auch Praktika!) – bezahlt oder unentgeltlich – benötigen Sie vor Beginn eine Zulassung durch die Ausländerbehörde. Als Bürger aus Estland, Lettland, Litauen, Polen, der Slowakei, Slowenien, der Tschechischen Republik und Ungarn wenden Sie sich dazu an die Agentur für Arbeit.
Keine Einschränkungen gelten für
* Staatsangehörige eines Mitgliedstaates der Europäischen Union (außer Estland, Lettland, Litauen, Polen, Slowakei, Slowenien, Tschechische Republik und Ungarn),
* Staatsangehörige eines Vertragstaates des Europäischen Wirtschaftsraumes (EWR-Staaten: Island, Lichtenstein, Norwegen),
* Staatsangehörige der Schweiz.
Eine längerfristige Erwerbstätigkeit (über 90 Tage) kann als Teilzeit nur zugelassen werden, wenn dadurch der auf das Studium beschränkte Aufenthaltszweck nicht verändert und das Studium nicht erschwert oder verlängert wird.
ACHTUNG: Beginnen Sie erst mit der Arbeit, wenn Sie die Zulassung haben. Die Bestimmungen für ausländische Studierende sind sehr streng. Sie können ausgewiesen werden, wenn Sie dagegen verstoßen!
Source
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