Formalities – good to know

Moving in Moving out

All kinds of accommodation require a security deposit of two to three monthly rents. This amount is to be refunded at the end of the leasing period, if you leave the place in good condition.

Transferring your deposit - watch out! Be cautious when it comes to transferring deposits.

Please be extremely cautious if:

• You are asked to arrange a payment through Western Union or make another international transfer. This usually renders identification and prosecution of those receiving the money impossible.
• The landlord offers to send the keys via mail. This is not a common practice in Germany.
• The landlord does not agree to arrange a viewing of the accommodation.

Only pay the deposit when:

• You have seen the accommodation (if you are already in Germany);
• You have signed the rental contract;
• You have received the keys.

In case you cannot go to a viewing of the accommodation yourself, you could ask a friend or acquaintance to check the offered place for you. Or you could arrange a viewing of the accommodation via Skype etc.

If you are going to live in a student dormitory, Studentenwerk will issue this form for you. If you are living somewhere else, the person who is letting you the room must issue this form. This person could either be your landlord, a person that is authorized by your landlord or the main tenant (in case you are the subtenant).

The housing certificate "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung"

You need this certificate for your registration at the Residents' Registration Office. Anyone staying in Göttingen for more than three months is required to register at the city's residents' registration office within the first two weeks after arrival.

Here you will find additional information about registration and deregistration.

In case you have any questions concerning tenancy law (leasing contracts, deposits, cancellation periods etc.) the General Students’ Committee AStA provides legal consultation for free for all enrolled students. Appointments can be arranged via the AStA administration office:

email, phone: 0551 – 39 34564

Every household in Germany must pay the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) regardless of whether you use the service or not. The broadcasting fee finances public service programming on the radio, internet and television. The fee is currently €18.36 per month. You will receive a letter automatically by post once you have registered with the city.

You can find additional useful information on the broadcasting fee (for instance, how it works for shared flats) on the Studentenwerks website or direclty at the website of the Public Broadcasting Service Fee "Rundfunkbeitrag".