Flat search in Berlin
Here you will find all relevant landlords, tools and tips for your flat search in Berlin.
Where and how you can search
Platforms
31 platformsAn overview of the largest property portals for flats to rent, plus applicant platforms, aggregator websites, flat swaps and communities.
Landlords
188 landlords and residencesHousing cooperatives, state-owned housing companies and property managers rent out their flats themselves, through their own listing pages, waiting lists and memberships.
Tools
18 toolsHelpful tools for your search: bots tell you about new listings, and auto-apply tools also send requests for you.
Tips
Check whether you can get a WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein).
The state-owned housing companies let a fixed share of their flats only to households with a WBS, a certificate that lets you rent subsidised flats. About 60% of Berlin households are entitled to one (as of 2025). Processing can take weeks, so it is best to apply early.
Find out about housing cooperatives.
Many housing cooperatives give flats to their members first, often without a listing. It can take months, sometimes years, until you get your first flat. In return, you usually pay less than on the market, and nobody can end your contract to move in themselves (Eigenbedarf).
Speed matters.
On the portals, the first to ask often gets the flat. A search alert on the large portals costs nothing. There are now also bots that watch several portals at once and tell you about new listings.
Have your documents ready from the start.
After the first contact, you quickly need a Selbstauskunft (a form about you for the landlord: job, income, household), payslips, a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbestätigung (a letter from your current landlord saying you owe no rent) and a credit report.
Do not pay anything in advance.
Reputable landlords do not ask for money for a viewing, keys or a reservation. The deposit is only due when the tenancy starts.
If you are a student, have a look at our tips for students.
There you will find student residences, platforms for students and what you can do before the semester starts.
Use the moving checklist.
The moving checklist shows you all the important tasks for your move. You can tick them off step by step, from the flat search to moving in.