In Berlin, it is possible to hire a licensed realtor (Immobilienmakler) to help you find an apartment, though many rentals are found through online portals or personal networks. If you choose to work with a realtor, they can assist in navigating the local market, arranging viewings and handling paperwork. By law, you only pay a commission (Provision) if you actively engage the realtor’s services; landlords are not allowed to pass on this cost to tenants. Always ensure you have a written agreement before committing to any payments.

Many tenants in Berlin turn to popular online portals like WG Gesucht, ImmoScount24, Kleinanzeigen and Facebook groups to hunt for flats or shared apartments, taking advantage of their extensive listings and filtering options. However, you should always stay vigilant for potential scams—never transfer deposits before seeing the place in person or verifying the landlord’s identity and insist on a proper rental contract. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own search, so cross-check listings across multiple sites, ask plenty of questions and trust your instincts if something seems too good to be true.

Your host institution may also provide an internal web portal with accommodation offerings or its own realty services and housing tips:

• Freie Universität: Cooperation with ERG Universitätsservice GmbH

• Humboldt-Universität: Living in Berlin

• Technische Universität: Housing in Berlin

• Charité-affiliated researchers should consult HU or FU web pages