I am moving to Mannheim, Germany next month. Is there anyway that i could rent an apartment now?

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Alwin E

Sure there is. You can turn to a realtor ("Makler" in German) by phone or internet. You should have someone at hand who speaks German and can negotiate in German, as most of the office employees here aren't fluent in English. But I'm quite sure that you can arrange for an apartment beforehand.

I don't live near Mannheim, but I'm German, and I could try and help you with translating suggestions they send you via e-mail.

But before renting an apartment on a long-term contract, I think it's better to see it. So for the first two or three months, maybe it's better you get a room on a short-term basis. Phone the "Mitwohnzentrale" in Mannheim, it's (+49)-629-19445. I'm sure they can help you with a room in an apartment-sharing community ("Wohngemeinschaft" or "WG" in German). Whenever I moved to a new city in Germany, I took a room in a WG, as you meet people there in search for apartments of their own, and they can provide you with hints and tips on how to find what's suitable to you.

If German is no problem for you, and money doesn't count, you can find estate agents by entering "Makler" and "Mannheim" into the search lines at www.gelbeseiten.de (the German "Yellow Pages").

Mind that German renters usually charge a three months' rent as deposit when you move into an apartment. That's common practice and completely legal. They're obliged to pay it back to you, plus interests, when you move out, but some renters hesitate to do so (to put it friendly). Whenever you sign a renting contract, I'd recommend you have a German-speaking and legally experienced friend with you. I'm a German native speaker and still must admit that I don't understand much "Legalese"; but German courts usually rule in favor of the renters, not the landlords.

I'd recommend you to look for a furnished apartment from where you are now. Then when you're there you can find a better and cheaper one. It will be very difficult to find an apartment just like that because people usually would want to know who you are.
Here's an address you can call. This company is specialized in searching furnished apartments for short-term stays. Don't forget to dial the country code and leave the first 0 out. However, be prepared that it's going to be a little more expensive than a normal appartment.

Home Company
Telefon: (06 21) 19445
Telefax: (06 21) 8 28 23 31
E-Mail: mannheim@HomeCompany.de
Internet: http://mannheim.HomeCompany.de/

sciptor

see http://www.immobilienscout24.de/ for example

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