Accommodation in Frankfurt

Accommodation in Frankfurt is varied, so you'll have plenty of options when moving to the city. Since most expats relocate to Frankfurt for a fixed period of time, it's more common to rent accommodation rather than buy property. 

This has led to a discrepancy in the housing supply and demand in Frankfurt, making it one of the most expensive German cities to rent in. That said, it's still possible to find suitable accommodation in Frankfurt at a reasonable price if you're patient. 

Areas and suburbs in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is divided into 16 districts, which are further divided into 46 quarters, so you'll have plenty of options when it comes to finding accommodation in the city. Finance professionals with families often prefer to live in Westend, one of Frankfurt's wealthiest areas. If you want to be close to good schools and exciting dining options, look no further than Nordend. 

Young and single professionals will enjoy living close to the city centre if they can afford it. Living in the city allows them to be close to the best nightlife spots and attractions, while also making the commute to work easier. Bockenheim, Sachsenhausen, and Bornheim are some of the best neighbourhoods for young and single expats moving to Frankfurt.

Read our guide on the Best Areas and Suburbs in Frankfurt for a more detailed look at the top neighbourhoods and areas to avoid in the city. 

Types of accommodation in Frankfurt

Apartments are commonly found in the city centre, while families can look towards the suburbs for larger homes. There are plenty of apartment units in historical buildings built in the 1900s that landlords have modernised. Many expats choose to live in the city and, therefore, typically rent apartments rather than houses. Flat sharing is a popular option among young expats as it is a great way to save money and meet new people. 

Housing in Frankfurt is generally unfurnished, so we recommend investing in some basic furniture items. It may come as a surprise to some that unfurnished properties in Frankfurt are typically entirely empty, often without carpets, light fittings or white appliances. 

The advantage of this is that tenants have more leeway in terms of choosing decor. While many people paint their apartments, tenants are required to repaint in white or neutral colours at the end of a lease. 

Finding accommodation in Frankfurt

Expats who are transferred by a company are usually assisted by their employer to secure suitable housing. The best place to start the search would be online if you don't have this luxury. While some sites and accommodation portals may provide listings, having some knowledge of German terminology is always beneficial. 

While rental costs are largely cheaper in Frankfurt than in other major cities such as London, New York and Paris, you should always be wary of false advertisements online. If rent is really low for a huge apartment, there are no agency fees involved, and the only way to contact the 'landlord' is via email, the advertisement is likely a scam.

Another efficient and stress-free way of finding accommodation in Frankfurt is to use the services of a reputable agency. These agencies often have intimate knowledge of the city's property market and can assist you in finding a home that meets all your requirements. It is important to note that estate agents in Frankfurt charge a fee for their services.

Useful links

• Wunderflats
• AtHome
• ImmoScout24

Renting accommodation in Frankfurt

The demand for property in Frankfurt is high among both expats and locals. Upon viewing an apartment that meets your requirements, you shouldn't hesitate to make an offer. Haggling is not an option in Frankfurt, as the landlord is likely to have other potential tenants interested in the property. 

Unfortunately, securing a rental property is not a first-come, first-served process. Landlords usually have a handful of applicants to choose from.

As tenants are well protected in Germany by the Tenants’ Protection Association, landlords will only rent their place to someone they trust and get along with.

Making an application

Once you have found a property you like, you will be expected to complete a detailed application form and provide evidence of your income and legal status in the country. In some cases, you may be asked for a reference from a previous landlord or a certificate (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung) indicating you have no outstanding rent due.

Before you start renting a property in Frankfurt, you should note that it is mandatory to purchase home insurance. There are plenty of home insurance service providers in Germany, from banks to private insurance providers. It is also fairly common to purchase third-party liability insurance in Germany, which can be extensive. The type of cover you will require should be discussed with a professional advisor, especially if the rental property includes assets belonging to the landlord.

Leases, costs, and fees

Most landlords ask for up to three months' rent to cover the security deposit on a place in Frankfurt. The deposit is refundable and is usually returned at the end of the tenancy, provided there are no damages to the property. Otherwise, cleaning or repair costs will be taken out of the deposit before the balance is refunded. It is advisable to obtain proof from the landlord that he has kept the security deposit in a separate account from the monthly rent.

Utilities in Frankfurt

New arrivals should note that there is 'cold rent' and 'warm rent' in Germany. The ‘warm rent’ includes heating and miscellaneous costs but excludes electricity, while the ‘cold rent’ excludes the cost of all utilities.

Read Accommodation in Germany for more on rental processes and setting up utilities in the country.

Electricity, gas, and water

Mainova is the main electricity, gas, and water service provider in the Rhein-Main region of Germany, and most expats living in Frankfurt will use this company as their utility supplier.

Utility bills are based on an approximate rate, which is dependent on the size of the apartment and the number of people living there. The monthly repayments can be adjusted accordingly, and the company issues an annual invoice stipulating the actual amount used and if there are any outstanding payments to be made. If you have paid more than the amount used for the year, you should receive a refund from the company.

Bins and recycling

FES Frankfurter Entsorgungs-und Service GmbH (FES) oversees waste management in Frankfurt. FES provides different coloured bins for organic, residual, and recyclable waste. Approximately 45 percent of the waste in Frankfurt is recycled, and we recommend learning about your neighbourhood's recycling initiatives and waste collection days to contribute to the city's efforts. 

Read Keeping in Touch in Germany to learn more about mobile, internet, and cable services in the country.

Useful links

• Mainova AG
• FES Frankfurter Entsorgungs-und Service GmbH