Moving into a new shared apartment (WG) can be exciting, but also challenging. Especially in a big city like Berlin, the search for a shared apartment is often stressful, and there are some contractual & organizational points Whether you are moving out or moving in – here you will find out The most important steps for a smooth change of shared flat in Berlin.
1. Termination & moving out of the old shared apartment
📌 1. Check the notice period in the rental agreement
✅ Is your name in Main lease agreement or are you subtenant?
✅ If you Main tenant, you have to agree with the shared flat about a successor.
✅ If you are a subtenant, a shorter notice period (e.g. one month) is often sufficient.
📦 2. Organize deposit & handover
✅ Document the condition of your room for a hassle-free return of the deposit.
✅ Create a handover protocol with the landlord or roommates.
🚛 3. Plan your move in good time
✅ Book a van or moving helper – Berlin has many narrow streets & parking bans!
✅ If necessary, a Apply for a no-parking zone for the move.
💡 Tip: Clarify with the shared flat in good time whether there are any outstanding additional costs to be paid!
2. Find the perfect new shared apartment in Berlin
🔎 1. Where can I find a shared room?
✅ Online platforms: Shared flats wanted, eBay classifieds, Facebook groups (“Shared flats Berlin”).
✅ Notices at universities and cafes – there are often private offers that are not published online.
📍 2. Consider location and rental prices in Berlin
✅ More central districts such as Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg & Neukölln are more expensive & popular.
✅ Outlying districts such as Spandau, Marzahn or Lichtenberg offer cheaper alternatives.
✅ Rental prices vary greatly – Shared rooms in Berlin often cost between 450–800 € per month.
🤝 3. Get to know your roommates
✅ Does the lifestyle fit? (Party-friendly shared apartment vs. quiet, functional shared apartment)
✅ Are there clear rules regarding cleaning schedules, visitors or sharing food?
✅ Arrange an introductory meeting – many shared apartments hold “castings” to find the right roommate.
💡 Tip: Apply with a nice, personalized message to stand out from the crowd!
3. Contractual issues when changing shared accommodation – main tenant or subtenant?
📜 1. Difference between main tenant & subtenant
✅ Main tenant: You have a rental agreement directly with the landlord – more rights, but also more responsibility.
✅ Subtenant: You rent from one of the roommates – often more flexible, but less secure.
🛑 2. Beware of illegal subletting
✅ Check if the main tenant has a official permission to sublet has.
✅ If not, you risk a sudden termination or problems with the landlord.
💰 3. Clarify deposit and additional costs
✅ Clarify in writing whether and how much deposit is to be paid.
✅ Who covers which additional costs (internet, electricity, water, GEZ fees)?
💡 Tip: Always get a written rental agreement to avoid disputes later!
4. Moving into the new shared apartment – How to do it stress-free
📦 1. Pack minimalistically & avoid duplicate furniture
✅ What do you really need? Shared flats often already have a furnished kitchen & living room.
✅ If necessary, clarify whether you are allowed to bring your furniture or whether you have space for your own things.
🚛 2. Plan moving day well
✅ Book transporters & moving helpers early – Especially at the beginning of the month, many moving services are fully booked.
✅ If you move to a narrow street, a No-parking zone may be useful.
🏡 3. Settle into your new shared apartment quickly
✅ After moving in, introduce yourself and get used to the shared apartment dynamic.
✅ Be attentive during the first few weeks – get to know the shared apartment rules and procedures.
✅ If desired, organize a small “moving-in dinner” or a get-to-know-you session.
💡 Tip: A good first impression ensures a relaxed coexistence!
5. Avoid common mistakes when changing shared flats in Berlin
❌ Ignore notice period & pay double rent → Solution: Check the contract in good time and terminate it in writing.
❌ Move in without a rental agreement → Solution: Always request a written agreement.
❌ Bringing too much furniture & stuff → Solution: First clarify what is available in the shared apartment.
❌ Do not apply for a no-parking zone & have problems moving in → Solution: Secure space for the transporter in good time.
❌ Do not talk about additional costs and deposit → Solution: Before moving in, clarify what costs will be incurred and how the deposit will be arranged.
💡 Tip: Organization is everything – a well-planned move saves a lot of stress!
6. Checklist for a successful change of shared flat in Berlin
📌 Before the move:
✅ Terminate your old shared apartment in good time & check your rental agreement.
✅ Search for a new shared apartment & have an introductory conversation with roommates.
✅ Sign the rental agreement & clarify the deposit.
📦 During the move:
✅ Organize transport & moving helpers.
✅ Only take the essentials and avoid duplicate furniture.
✅ If necessary, apply for a no-parking zone.
🏡 After the move:
✅ Register (resident registration office) & update new address everywhere.
✅ Meet new roommates & follow shared apartment rules.
✅ Feel good & enjoy the new chapter!
💡 Tip: A relaxed start to your new shared apartment ensures harmonious coexistence!
Conclusion: How to smoothly change shared flats in Berlin
✔ Terminate in good time & check all contracts carefully
✔ Choose your new flatmates carefully and get to know them beforehand
✔ Clarify tenancy law questions regarding deposit, additional costs and subletting
✔ Organize your move well & avoid unnecessary stress
🚛 Are you planning to move to a shared flat in Berlin? Praktik Transport helps you with fast & flexible moving solutions for a smooth move into your new shared apartment! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏡✨
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