The rental contract is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. It defines all important conditions of your housing, including the rent, duration of the tenancy, and house rules. Before signing the contract, you should carefully read all terms and make sure you fully understand your rights and obligations. If anything is unclear, do not hesitate to ask for clarification.

At the start of the rental period, you will meet with your landlord to receive your keys and formally take over the room or apartment. It is highly recommended that you fill out a move-in inspection form and take photos of the room or apartment to document its condition. This will protect you against any unfounded complaints when you move out.

If you want to move out, you must formally terminate your rental agreement. In Germany, the standard notice period is usually three months, meaning you must inform your landlord at least three months before your planned move-out date. It is important to submit your cancellation in writing and within the required deadline, otherwise the contract may continue and additional rent may be charged.

In Germany, landlords usually require a security deposit (known as Kaution) when you rent an apartment or room. This deposit serves as financial protection for the landlord in case of damages or unpaid rent. 

The deposit is typically up to three months’ rentand must usually be paid moving in. After you move out, the deposit is refunded if the apartment is returned in good condition and all payments have been settled. 

Be cautious when it comes to transferring deposits:

• Always pay the deposit via bank transfer and request a receipt
• Never transfer money without a rental contract
• Only pay after you have received the keys

Whether you're moving into a dorm, a shared apartment, or your own place, you must report your address to the residents' registration office after moving in. For this registration, you will need a document called the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (tenant registration confirmation).

This document is issued by your landlord or housing provider and confirms that you have moved into a specific address. It is a mandatory requirement for completing your official registration in Germany.

Once you have found accommodation, you must register with the Residents' Registration Office within two weeks. If you move to different accommodation, you must re-register within two weeks. This means that you must report your new address to the Residents' Registration Office. Please bring your passport, the Tenant Registration Confirmation and your rental contract to the appointment. 

An appointment at the Residents' Registration Office can usually be made online. Please check the website of your city 
for more information. 

Appointments for registration in Bochumcan be made online.

Appointments for registration in Velbert or Heiligenhaus can be found on the corresponding website.

Registration with the Residents Registration Office is required by law. After registering, you will receive a confirmation of registration. This is very important because it serves as proof of address. You will need it, for example:

• to open a bank account,
• for dealing with the authorities,
• for a library card

The broadcasting fee is a mandatory fee used to finance public media in Germany (TV, radio, and online services).
The fee is paid per household, not per person.

After you register with the residents' registration office, your address will automatically be forwarded to the license fee service. You will then receive a letter asking you to register and pay the fee. If you live with others, one person can pay the fee – all roommates are then exempt. Only those who receive BaFöG (student loan) can be exempted.

More information: www.rundfunkbeitrag.de