BIMM BERLIN ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

WHERE TO LIVE EUROPE’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT MOST CONNECTED TYPES OF LETTING MUSIC COLLEGE MANAGING FINANCES

2017/18 BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE CONTENTS

WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING? 3 CONTACT THE ACCOMMODATION TEAM PUBLIC TRANSPORT 4 Accommodation advice is offered by PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAP 6 the Student Support Team. While we don’t provide housing for students directly, we’re HOUSE HUNTING 7 here to help and advise along the way.

PRIVATE LETTINGS 8 If you need to send anything to the Student Support Team, please send it to: LETTING AGENCIES 10 BIMM Berlin Warschauer Straße 70a SEARCHING FOR A FLAT 11 10243 Berlin, Germany

HOUSE VIEWINGS 12 If you find you have questions about your finances that aren’t answered in this guide, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW 13 then please contact the Student Support Team: Tel: 0800 664 7529 Email: [email protected]

BIMM Berlin Accommodation Guide 2016/17 WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING?

BIMM Berlin’s address is: that you’ll need to take into consideration Warschauer Str. 70A the cost of travelling, and the time it will take 10243 Berlin to get into BIMM Berlin, when making any accommodation decisions. The college’s nearest U-Bahn station is Warschauer Str on the U1, closest stop 5 min We recommend the following areas, some walk. The S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7 and S75 from of which are within walking distance of Alexander Platz. BIMM Berlin or a short commute:

The M10 and M13 trams stop very close to the • Friedrichshain college, which is also served by the 240 and • Kreuzberg N40 bus routes. Parking is very limited within • Fennpfuhl the area. • Lichtenberg We expect many of our new students to live • Mitte within a short distance of the college. You may • Prenzlauer Berg wish to consider living slightly further away • Neukölln and commuting into Friedrichshain, especially • Treptow if you’re already settled in Berlin. Remember Nahverkehr: PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVING BIMM BERLIN

Public transport throughout Berlin is both inexpensive and reliable, with a combination of buses, trams, underground and suburban trains serving the metropolitan area. The city is also extremely bicycle-friendly, with dedicated cycle paths and plenty of secure storage.

We strongly recommend that you apply for a student discount ticket. You can apply for these at the ticket offices in the S Bahn stations and you will need your student ID card before you are able to apply. Please call BVG on +49 030 1944 9 for more information.

FRIEDRICHSHAIN KREUZBERG LICHTENBERG AND FENNPFUHL

BUS ROUTE: BUS ROUTE: TRAM ROUTE: 248 (towards Berlin N1 (towards Berlin M13 (towards Berlin Warschauer Str.) Warschauer Str.) Warschauer Str.) 347 (towards Berlin M21 (Niederbarnimstraße Warschauer Str.) U-BAHN: stop, towards N1 (towards Berlin U1 (towards Warschauer Schoneweide) Warschauer Str.) Str.) U8 (change at Kottbusser U-BAHN: TRAM ROUTE: Tor to the U1 towards U5 (Frankfurter Tor stop, M10 (towards Berlin Warschauer Str.) towards Alexanderplatz) Warschauer Str.) M13 (towards Berlin S-BAHN: Warschauer Str.) S5, S7 and S75 (towards M21 (Niederbarnimstraße Alexanderplatz) stop)

U-BAHN: U5 (Frankfurter Tor stop) U1 (Warschauer Str. stop) Continued... PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVING BIMM BERLIN

MITTE PRENZLAUER NEUKÖLLN BERG TRAM ROUTE: U-BAHN: M10 (towards Berlin TRAM ROUTE: U8 (change at Kottbusser Warschauer Str.) M10 (towards Berlin Tor to the U1 towards M5, M6, M8 (change Warschauer Str.) Warschauer Str.) at Landsberger Allee/ Petersburger Str. to U-BAHN: S-BAHN: the M10 towards Berlin U2 (change at S1, S42 (change at Berlin Warschauer Str.) Alexanderplatz to the Ostkreuz to the S5/S7 U5 until Frankfurter Tor until Berlin Warschauer U-BAHN: stop) Str.) U5 (Frankfurter Tor stop, towards Hönow) S-BAHN: S8, S9, S41, S42, S46, S-BAHN: S85 (change at Berlin TREPTOW S5, S7 and S75 (towards Ostkreuz to the S5/S7 Berlin Warschauer Str.) until Berlin Warschauer S-BAHN: Str.) S8, S9, S41, S42, S46, S85 (change at Berlin Ostkreuz to the S5/S7 until Berlin Warschauer Str.) U-bahn routes: PUBLIC TRANSPORT

PRENZLAUER BERG

FENNPFUHL U2

MITTE

FRIEDRICHSHAIN ALEXANDERPLATZ

S-BAHN

FRANKFURTER TOR

U5 NIEDERBARNIMSTR. (TRAM)

S3 U8 BIMM

BERLIN WARSCHAUER STR. LICHTENBERG U1

KOTTBUSSER TOR

KREUZBERG TREPTOW U8

NEUKÖLLN Map showing S-BAHN and U-Bahn routes to BIMM Berlin from nearby areas. Major stations and stations near to BIMM are shown. Tram & bus routes are not shown. HOUSE HUNTING “

Finding accommodation in Berlin can be competitive, so make sure that you have all your documents ready and are prepared to spend a good amount of time looking for a flat share or apartment to avoid disappointment. There are also some important aspects to understand before you embark upon the excitement of hunting down your digs.

HOW MUCH CAN I EXPECT TO SPEND?

The amount you’ll pay very much depends upon the type of accommodation you choose – for example, the privacy of a one-bedroom apartment will cost considerably more than a three-bedroom flatshare. As with all cities, where you live will affect the price: opting for lodgings right next to a U-Bahn line in the centre of a key nightlife district will take more from your wallet each month than somewhere a little further out.

The following sections give some indication of the rough prices you should expect to pay across the different options – although there remains a lot of flexibility at each level. PRIVATE LETTINGS

Please familiarise yourself with are the three sometimes the case that the landlord might different kinds of rental: mieten means not know you’re living there. Technically, this to rent or to let, and refers to a direct is not allowed and the landlord can end the contract between you and a landlord, while lease without prior notice. Make sure you untermieten means to sub-let – renting a have this cleared beforehand and that there room from someone who themselves has is official confirmation for a sublease from the a contract with the landlord. A WG, or owners of the place (plus, you won’t be able wohngemeinschaft, is a flat share, in which a to register yourself in Berlin if you don’t have group of people will come together to rent a written consent). property on equal terms. Perhaps the best option for students is the The first option is the safest, as under wohngemeinschaft, where you would share German law anyone signing a tenancy a property with others, taking on equal agreement automatically gains the responsibility and splitting costs between you. protection of strong rights that prevent These are very common within Berlin, and while eviction, exploitation, etc. However, taking some care is needed to ensure that you don’t on a tenancy will likely be considerably end up living with people that you can’t get more expensive than the other options along with, they can be a fun and affordable covered here, and bestows a number of option. The European accommodation portal responsibilities upon you as a tenant – there WG-Gesucht.de is a great free place to look for are a fair number of checks to be passed these, and local newspapers and community as well (see the What You Need To Know freesheets regularly advertise apartments and section for more information here). Mieten rooms. Alternatively, you could sign up with contracts tend to be for longer periods of one of the mitwohnzentralen – accommodation time, so may not suit a student lifestyle. agencies that specialise in filling rooms across the city, or even join and message the BIMM Much more flexible are untermieten Berlin Student facebook group here to find agreements, which are often more informal others heading to the city who are looking for in nature and shorter in length, and frequently people to share with. You can also search for negotiable in terms of cost. However, other public groups to ask about flatshares etc, you have considerably fewer rights – it is such as Toytown Berlin. PRIVATE LETTINGS

The table below gives a breakdown of typical fees per month within Berlin’s private rental sector:

AREA TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION PRICE RANGE (PER MONTH)

Kreuzberg Flatshare (1 room) €350-€750

Furnished 1 room apartment €540-€650

Furnished 2 room apartment €750-€900

Furnished 3 room apartment €1,000-€2,000

Friedrichshain Furnished 1 room apartment €350-€800

Furnished 2 room apartment €850-€950

Furnished 3 room apartment €1,200-€1,300

Lichtenberg Furnished 1 room apartment €450-€850

Furnished 2 room apartment €740-€1,000

Furnished 3 room apartment €1,000-€2,000

Mitte Furnished 1 room apartment €500-€700

Furnished 2 room apartment €900-€1500

Furnished 3 room apartment €1,100-€2,000

Neukölln Furnished 1 room apartment €650-€700

Furnished 2 room apartment €750-€850

Furnished 3 room apartment €1,000-€1,300

Prenzlauer Berg Furnished 1 room apartment €700-€850

Furnished 2 room apartment €850-€1,400

Furnished 3 room apartment €900-€1,500

Treptow Furnished 1 room apartment From €550

Furnished 2 room apartment From €750 LETTING AGENCIES

Please be aware that the agents listed below – Drawing up contracts/administration charges have not been visited or vetted in any way – Reference fees by BIMM Berlin and you should therefore use – Inventory fees them at your own risk. Also be aware that letting agents may have additional fees for: Always ask what charges you’ll have to pay before you enter into an agreement with them.

AGENT WEBSITE TELEPHONE NUMBER

Student specific listings

Easy Living easy-living4u.de +49 (0) 30 25 441 333

Uniplaces* uniplaces.com/accommodation/berlin +49 (0) 30 568373072

* You can also email [email protected]. There is 25% discount on the service fee if you use the code DEBIMM1625 online.

General lettings

Berlin 99 berlin99.com +49 (0) 30 8180 2125

Home Company berlin.homecompany.de +49 (0) 30 19445

Crocodilian crocodilian.de +49 (0) 30 6120 3458

Home For Rent homeforrent.de +49 (0) 431 301 402 301

City Wohnen City-Wohnen.de +49 (0) 30 194 30

Xpat Rentals xpatrentals.com +44 (0) 203 086 9905

Immonet.de immonet.de +49 (0) 40 347 28900

Coming Home coming-home.org +49 (0) 3021 79800

Null-Provision null-provision.de

Wohnungsmarkt wohnungsmarkt24.de

Immobilien Scout 24 immobilienscout24.de

WG-Gesucht wg-gesucht.de/en 0900 100 1315

Private listings sites

Wohngemeinschaft www.wohngemeinschaft.de

Erasmusu erasmusu.com

Berlin Craigslist berlin.en.craigslist.de

Please note: Due to recent changes in Berlin local legislation regarding subletting private holiday and temporary apartments (private Ferienwohnungen, Airbnb etc) please be aware that this might affect some offers so it is best to enquire beforehand if the apartment has been registered. SEARCHING FOR A FLAT: ROOMS, KITCHENS AND CHARGES

Apartments in Berlin are categorised Note as well that two different rental prices by the number of rooms, excluding the will often be quoted on advertisements: bathroom and the kitchen. So, ‘1 Zimmer’ kaltmiete and warmmiete. Kaltmiete, or would be a studio flat, plus a bathroom and cold rent, refers to the cost of renting kitchen, while ‘2 Zimmer’ would refer to the property alone, with no extras, while one bedroom, a sitting room, a bathroom warmmiete, or warm rent, normally includes and a kitchen. It’s also quite common to any charges for communal spaces, heating find apartments for rent without a kitchen: and water (although not usually electricity). unless the property is advertised as having an einbauküche (built-in kitchen) it may have only a sink and possibly a stove, so if you’re keen on home-cooking you’ll want to check this area carefully. HOUSE VIEWINGS

TIPS FOR VIEWING PROPERTIES:

• We recommend viewing a property at least twice. You’ll be more likely to notice problems the second time around.

• Take someone with you or let someone else know exactly where you’re going when you go to visit a property, just to err WHAT TO LOOK FOR on the side of caution. AT VIEWINGS

• It’s also a good idea to visit the area Use the checklist below to make sure at night. If you do this, please ensure you ask the right questions and look you stick to the point above and take into all the key areas: someone with you. • Does the place look • Make sure you and all your other well maintained? housemates view the place. Don’t take someone else’s word that the property is • Will it be warm enough? right for you. • Will it be safe and secure? • Compare a range of different landlords and properties. • Does it have the space and facilities you need? • Take your time and don’t let landlords pressure you. • Are the current tenants happy with the landlord? • When you go to view, take notes and photos, and use our checklist to make • Is the property affordable sure you don’t miss anything. and good value?

• Get informed – knowing your rights will • Is the area suitable? help you view properties more critically and put you in a stronger negotiating position. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WILL I NEED TO SIGN A dealing with agents. This is also ordinarily a CONTRACT TO RENT A ROOM? requirement for passing a credit check, or Most landlords/agents will ask you to sign a SCHUFA Auskunft (see www.schufa.de/en/en/ tenancy agreement. This is a legally binding home for further details) which you’ll need to document setting out each party’s rights do if you intend to rent privately. and responsibilities. By signing it, both you and the landlord have certain rights DO I NEED TO PAY A DEPOSIT? protected in law which can’t be overwritten Some landlords request one to two months’ by the contract. Before you sign, make sure rent as a deposit; others the equivalent of you understand all the clauses, so there can three months – it shouldn’t be more than be no nasty surprises after you’ve signed. this. The money shouldn’t be paid directly to the landlord but instead put into a joint I’VE HEARD I HAVE TO REGISTER MY savings book where, if no repairs or damages ACCOMMODATION – IS THAT CORRECT? take place during your tenancy, it should be Everyone who wants to stay in Germany for returned to you along with the interest it has longer than three months – including EU gained when you return your keys. citizens – needs to register their residence (or anmeldung) at an Einwohnermeldeamt DO I NEED A GUARANTOR? (or registration office) within two weeks of There are many documents that you need moving in or face a fine. Alternatively, you when renting in Berlin. You’ll typically be asked can book an appointment for a later date for: an application form; copies of photo ID; through their online system within the two- proof of income (wage slips from the last three week notice period and keep the booking months); a letter from your previous landlord receipt as proof. Einwohnermeldeämter can indicating that there is no rent outstanding; be found within a Bürgeramt, or Citizen’s and your credit report (see previous point). Advice Office, of which there are fifty within If you don’t have one of these or have just Berlin, and registration requires a signature arrived in Germany and have no reliable from your landlord or lettings agency. income, then it’s best to have a friend or a Useful documents (i.e. Confirmation letter/ relative as a guarantor. This will increase your Einzugsbestaetigung) and a link to the chances of being given a contract. booking system can be found here. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT DO I NEED TO HOLD A TYPES OF LEASE? GERMAN BANK ACCOUNT? A standard lease is between one tenant and While it is possible to transfer money from the landlord, and lasts for an indefinite period an international account to a German of time. A temporary lease has an end date landlord, you may find your dealings are that will be stated from the start, and once much easier if you hold a bank account it’s reached, the tenant must move out. within Germany, particularly if you’re WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Within shared accommodation, three options • Ensuring that any furniture supplied meets are available: fire resistant requirements

• One person assumes the role of the At the start of a tenancy, your landlord should tenant, signing the lease with the landlord provide you with an übergabeprotokoll – a and taking on all responsibilities. They document that clarifies the condition of the then sign a subtenancy agreement with property at that point, in order to protect you the additional tenants. against unfair accusations when it ends. • All or some of the tenants become head tenants, assuming the same obligations WHAT ARE THE TENANT’S to the landlord. RESPONSIBILITIES? • All tenants sign separate leases with the In general you’re required to: landlord to cover their own rooms. • Pay the rent as agreed WHAT ARE THE RULES • Pay any utility bills – phone, internet, FOR ENDING A TENANCY? television packages, etc., as well as for The usual notice period for both tenant and electricity, water, gas and heating if landlord in Berlin is three months. However, these aren’t included in the rent under German law, a tenancy can be • Take care of the property terminated without notice if: • Use the property in a responsible way • Keep to the terms and conditions of • The property is used consistently the agreement for non-agreed purposes • The rent is unpaid for at least two months WILL I NEED TO TAKE • The tenant is consistently noisy or OUT INSURANCE? disturbs neighbours Most agents and landlords will require you to take out third-party liability insurance WHAT ARE THE LANDLORD’S (Haftpflicht) and/or contents insurance for RESPONSIBILITIES? the property. In general the landlord is responsible for:

• Heating and hot water installation • Baths, sinks, basins and other FURTHER QUESTIONS sanitary installations If you have any further questions about finding • The structure of the exterior of accommodation in Berlin, please don’t hesitate the property to contact our Student Support Team on • Repairs to and safety of gas and 0800 664 7529 or by email at electrical appliances [email protected] BRITISH & IRISH MODERN MUSIC INSTITUTE BIMM-INSTITUTE.DE

BIMM BERLIN: YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER Our Student Support Team are here to QUESTIONS ABOUT FINDING help you and can be contacted on: ACCOMMODATION IN BERLIN, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE Tel: 0800 664 7529 TO CONTACT OUR STUDENT Email: [email protected] SUPPORT TEAM.

0049 (0) 30 3119 9186 BIMM Berlin Warschauer Straße 70a 10243 Berlin studentsupportberlin@ bimm-institute.de