Apartment life

How to find an apartment in Berlin
Finding an apartment in Berlin is a daunting task, but these resources should make it easier for you.

How does the apartment deposit (Kaution) work in Germany?
Here's how you pay your apartment deposit (Mietkaution) in Germany, and how you get all of it back when you move out.

The Anmeldung - How to register an address in Berlin
A plain English guide to registering an address in Berlin. This is how you get a Meldebescheinigung and a tax ID.
How to get a Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebestätigung
Here's how to get an Anmeldebestätigung or a Meldebescheinigung. This document is required to open a bank account, apply for a residence permit or get a cellphone contract in Germany.

How to move into an apartment in Germany
All the little things you should do when moving to a new address in Germany: address changes, mail forwarding and more.

How to move out of an apartment in Germany
Everything you need to think about when leaving your apartment in Germany: address changes, contract cancellations, moving companies and more.

The Abmeldung - How to deregister in Berlin
When you leave Berlin - hopefully for greener pastures - you must deregister with the city. This process is called the Abmeldung. Here is how it's done.

How to sort your trash and recycle in Germany
Germans take their trash very seriously, and it may take a while for newcomers to understand what goes in which bin. This guide will show you how to sort your trash in Germany.

How to dispose of a Christmas tree in Berlin
When the holidays are over, this is how you get rid of your old Christmas tree.

What is the TV tax (Rundfunkbeitrag), and why should I pay it?
Why are you receiving this 52.50€ bill, and what can you do about it? Here's everything you need to know about the Rundfunkbeitrag

When are the quiet hours in Berlin?
Here's how the quiet hours work in Berlin, and what to do with loud neighbours in Berlin

How to file a noise complaint in Berlin
If you are dealing with loud neighbours in Berlin, this is how you file a noise complaint with the Ordnungsamt.

How do electric bills work in Germany?
Understanding your electric bill is a great way to save money. If you just moved to Berlin, this information might be useful.

How to get your DHL, GLS, DPD and Hermes packages
Did your package get delivered to a neighbour, or not at all? Is it completely lost? Here's what to do.

Lost your keys in Berlin? Locked yourself out? Here's what to do
How to replace your lost or stolen keys, and how to call a locksmith and get back into your apartment.

Should you trust Wenigermiete? An objective review
A neutral, independently researched review of Wenigermiete, the service that promises to reduce your rent.

The Mietendeckel is gone. Here's what it means.
The Mietendeckel was repealed in April 2021, but there are still ways to get your rent reduced.