LUXOFT GMBH T: +49 711 49049 200 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

HOME SEARCH STRATEGY Or the Art of finding an apartment in /

Developed by the Relocation Team in

Geschäftsführerin: Bankverbindung: Jitka Steinmetz HRB 745973 Amtsgericht Stuttgart BNP Paribas S.A. Niederlassung Deutschland Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891 IBAN: DE54 5121 0600 4220 7200 17 UST-ID: DE199671990 BIC: BNPADEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Contents

General Recommendations: ...... 3

List of required documents / Bewerbungsunterlagen: ...... 3

Frankfurt am Main & Main--Kreis and : ...... 4

Frankfurt/Main City: ...... 5

Mitte West: ...... 5

Nord West: ...... 6

Nord Ost: ...... 7

Mitte-Nord: ...... 8

West: ...... 9

Main-Taunus-Kreis: ...... 12

Hochtaunuskreis: ...... 13

Searching on Your Own: ...... 15

Search via Internet sites ...... 15

Search via newspapers ...... 16

Real Estate Agencies: ...... 18

After finding an apartment: ...... 18

Useful abbreviations: ...... 19

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

General Recommendations:

 Be proactive during the inspections and always have all the required documents with you.

 Be ready for group flat visits. If like the flat, approach the landlord and show your high motivation.

 Use more than one real estate agent / supplier to have a better choice. Be proactive in your communication with real estate agents.

 Please kindly double check your job offer concerning the real estate agent’s fee before starting your collaboration with one of our external suppliers. If there is no commission included in the offer, you have to pay the commission yourself. (Please note that, as per the law real estate agents cannot charge you more than two-month cold rent (rent without the utility costs) plus VAT.  Depending on the district, rental prices may differ to a greater or lesser extent from the average. Click here to find out the average rent of one-bedroom apartment with a space of 70 m² across the city mapped by the metro stations.  Pay attention to the psychological aspect. Try to make an excellent impression on the Landlord. Be on time or even a little bit earlier (5 minutes before the appointment), but not too early! Landlords might interpret it that you will pay on time. Make sure to look accurate. Landlords might think that you will keep the apartment tidy. Try to build a good relationship with the Landlord. Be friendly! It will always help.

List of required documents / Bewerbungsunterlagen:  Job contract;  Application form / Selbstauskunft (usually provided during the inspection);  Copy of Passport / ID and Blue Card / Residency Card;  Schufa Auskunft / Report about your credit history (can be obtained online here);

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

 Schufa free of charge (can be obtained here. It can take 2-3 weeks);

 Casual pictures of family members in case they will join later.

Frankfurt am Main & Main-Taunus-Kreis and Hochtaunuskreis:

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Frankfurt/Main City:

Frankfurt/Main City districts that are close to the Luxoft Office in are: Mitte West, Nord West, Nord Ost, Mitte Nord and West

Mitte West: Hausen, , Rödelheim

 Hausen: proud mixture: modern district in front of a historical scenery Population: 7,386 Area: 125.6 ha Family with children: 19.1 % Singles: 43.8 % Foreigners: 34.1 % People with migration background: 26.3% Facts: . Niddatal Volkspark offers a wide range of leisure opportunities . the biggest in open-air swimming pool Brentanobad . very positive attitude towards foreigners

 Praunheim: small village in the Rhein-Main metropolis Population: 16,021 Area: 455.2 ha Family with children: 20.5 % Singles: 47.4 % Foreigners: 24.4 % People with migration background: 23.3 % Facts: . Green district with a rural structure . The Niddatal Volkspark offers a wide range of leisure opportunities . Very suitable for young families

 Rödelheim: cider capital of the region Population: 17,467 Area: 514.5 ha Family with children: 16.6 % Singles: 55.8 % Foreigners: 30.2 %

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

People with migration background: 20.6 % Facts: . IT center with High-tech companies . Situated between two rivers and Westerbach . Brentanopark from the 19th century with Greek baths, pomegranate & orange trees . Open-air swimming pool Brentanobad with open-air cinema is one of the most beautiful open-air swimming pools in Hesse . The district provides good shopping opportunities, schools, sports facilities and play grounds

Nord West: ,

 Heddernheim: carnival, copper processing & nature Population: 17,057 Area: 248.8 ha Family with children: 21.1 % Singles: 46.7 % Foreigners: 22.4 % People with migration background: 25.2 % Facts: . Fairly touristic during the carnival time . Landscape with greenery offers good leisure opportunities . Glass buildings

 Niederursel: historical mills & timber-frame houses create an unique flair Population: 15,356 Area: 16,394 ha Family with children: 21.8 % Singles: 44.7% Foreigners: 24.3 % People with migration background: 27.6 % Facts: . The biggest in the region shopping mall NordWestZentrum . Thermal baths & nature reserves

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Nord Ost: , , , ,

 Berkersheim: idyllic village in the center of the Main metropolis Population: 3,755 Area: 319.3 ha Family with children: 30 % Singles: 36.7 % Foreigners: 17.4 % People with migration background: 28 % Facts: . The smallest district in Frankfurt . Own mineral spring Azurquelle . Offers an impressive view over the Taunus Mountains . Only one primary school and no high schools

 Bonames: family-friendly environment, especially suitable for families with small kids Population: 6,298 Area: 339.7 ha Family with children: 20.3 % Singles: 46.4% Foreigners: 22.2 % People with migration background: 30.2 % Facts: . Only one primary school and no high schools . The best air quality in Frankfurt

 Eckenheim: quiet, contemplative & down-to-earth Population: 14,301 Area: 235 ha Family with children: 18.5 % Singles: 52.5% Foreigners: 28.1 % People with migration background: 26.6 % Facts: . Good shopping opportunities for daily needs available

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

. One primary school

 Frankfurter Berg: mix of residential towers & one- and two family houses Population: 8,048 Area: 218 ha Family with children: 30.1 % Singles: 34.2 % Foreigners: 24.7 % People with migration background: 30.6 % Facts: . 3 kindergartens, one primary school with focus on art, music and sports, no high schools . Shopping opportunities for daily needs

 Preungesheim: close to the City center but quiet Population: 14,732 Area: 361.5 ha Family with children: 26.6 % Singles: 44.2% Foreigners: 26.6 % People with migration background: 27.2 % Facts: . Very popular among families with small children . One primary school, one comprehensive school . Sports facilities & cycling roads

Mitte-Nord: Dornbusch, ,

 Dornbusch: stylish and well-looked after Population: 18,209 Area: 232.5 ha Family with children: 16.8 % Singles: 55.3% Foreigners: 21 % People with migration background: 20.5 % Facts:

. Well-known radio station Hessischer Rundfunk

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

. Green oasis Sinaipark with so-called Sinaiwildnis, a wild area of one hectare within the park, which is under protection . Outside the park a green area, as well . Popular among celebrities

 Eschersheim: rural beauty in the middle of the metropolis Population: 14,823 Area: 333.9 ha Family with children: 17.5 % Singles: 54.4% Foreigners: 19.6 % People with migration background: 18.8 % Facts: . High density of houses but also urban settlements . High quality of living . Idyllic calm and beauty of the old city & green belt Niddaauen

 Ginnheim: the biggest park in Frankfurt Population: 16.479 Area: 355.8 ha Family with children: 22.2 % Singles: 46.8 % Foreigners: 23.8 % People with migration background: 29.4 % Facts: . TV tower, which represents the tallest building in the region, as well as the Headquarters of the Bundesbank are located in Ginnheim . Between Praunheim, Hausen and Ginnheim the park Volkspark Niddatal with its „Ginnheimer Wädlchen“ belonging to Ginnheim streches over 168 hectars

West: Griesheim, Höchst, , Schwanheim, , , ,

 Griesheim: industrial & romantic Population: 23,425 Area: 490.1 ha Family with children: 18.3 %

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Singles: 52.2 % Foreigners: 39.9 % People with migration background: 26.7 % Facts: . Two sides of the district: industrial versus romantic . Characterized by large industrial plants, which are also called “Griesheimer Apls” (worldwide known Höchst AG) . Cool architecture . The banks of the Main with almost southern flair

 Höchst: a small city in the Metropolis Population: 14.864 Area: 470.9 ha Family with children: 21.8 % Singles: 50.8 % Foreigners: 39.5 % People with migration background: 24.2 % Facts: . A balance between tradition and economic growth . An interesting place to live, especially for young families . The largest shopping mall in Frankfurt

 Nied: family friendly & green Population: 19.056 Area: 381.7 ha Family with children: 20.5 % Singles: 47.4 % Foreigners: 34.4 % People with migration background: 24.4 % Facts: . Formerly a place of transit traffic, a historic bridge Niddabrücke, once the main trade route between Frankfurt and Mainz . The bridge is the oldest operating railway bridge in Germany . The forest Niedwald invites to walk and have a rest . Some schools, sports facilities and shopping opportunities for daily needs available

 Schwanheim: living centrally with lots of nature Population: 20.848 Area: 1,772.7 ha 10

Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Family with children: 21.8 % Singles: 44.6 % Foreigners: 22.2 % People with migration background: 26.3 % Facts: . The largest district of the Main metropolis by area . Schweinheimer forest and Schweinheimer dune with an impressive flora and fauna . Good shopping opportunities for daily needs . For those who like to live at affordable prices near the forest and want to enjoy a little rest or prefer the short way to the airport

 Sindlingen: district with many new housing objects Population: 9.192 Area: 515.1 ha Family with children: 20.5 % Singles: 47.8 % Foreigners: 30.6 % People with migration background: 24.2 % Facts: . The largest district of the Main metropolis by area . Many housing projects in recent years . Alternative to the district Höchst . Good shopping opportunities for daily needs

 Sossenheim: with traditional old town City Hall & timber-frame houses Population: 15.862 Area: 596.9 ha Family with children: 22.6 % Singles: 45.4 % Foreigners: 30.9 % People with migration background: 29.3 % Facts: . Timber-frame one-family houses with or w/o gardens . High schools are available . More than a half of the district consists of green areas . Family friendly

 Unterliederbach: family friendly Population: 15.607 11

Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Area: 587.7 ha Family with children: 23.1 % Singles: 45.9 % Foreigners: 29.4 % People with migration background: 24.4 % Facts: . A symbol of the district an old village church “Alte Dorfskirche” . Quiet apartments for families . Sports facilities

 Zeilsheim: green & lovable Population: 12.225 Area: 430 ha Family with children: 23.8 % Singles: 42.4 % Foreigners: 26.9 % People with migration background: 23.9 % Facts: . Historic village in Alt-Zeilsheim reflects a village idyll . In the 21st century a lot of settlements emerged . One-or two-family houses

Main-Taunus-Kreis: Main-Taunus-Kreis with main towns Eschborn, Schwalbach, Bad Soden und Sulzbach  Eschborn: ,Family city’ Population: 21,435 Area: 1200 ha Foreigners: 19.6 % Facts: . Good location for business (21,435 habitants versus 32,000 employees) . Good child care enables to reconcile family life and career . The swimming pool Wiesenbad with sauna & wellness program offers a good opportunity to escape the stress of everyday life and relax . Good international cuisine

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

 Schwalbach: multicultural city on the Taunus Population: 17,751 Area: 647 ha Foreigners: 15.9 % Facts: . Very international: representatives of more than 80 nations live in Schwalbach . A lot of international companies are located here . Attracts families as well as singles . Offers schools, doctors & shopping opportunities . The best transport links but still a very quiet location

 Bad Soden: one of Germany’s number one health resorts Population: 21,664 Area: 1,255 ha Foreigners: 15.6 % Facts: . Excellent health care . Thermal bath & mineral springs . Offers a very suitable environment for families with children . Elementary & high schools, countless playgrounds & kindergartens

 Sulzbach: vital & modern Population: 8,967 Area: 785 ha Foreigners: 14.2 % Facts: . First shopping mall in Germany Main-Taunus-Zentrum . Good infrastructure . Nice and practical place to live . Good shopping opportunities, doctors, hospitals & high schools

Hochtaunuskreis: Hochtaunuskreis with main towns Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe, , Königstein im Taunus, , (Taunus)  Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe: attractive location, well-functioning infrastructure and a variety of leisure activities Population: 55.844 13

Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Area: 5,117 ha Foreigners: 15.1 % Facts: . A lot of commuters who work in the financial metropolis Frankfurt . Favorable location, green ambience & the strong local economy . The health resort . One of the most expensive residences in Germany . Attractive among well-off singles and better-off families

 Kronberg im Taunus: green & attractive for families and young people Population: 18,825 Area: 1,862 ha Foreigners: 12.72 % Facts: . Located in the area of the nature park Hoch-Taunus . Direct connection to the metropolis . Attractive leisure program for families and young people (festivals, creative markets and other events in the Old town or the Castle)

 Königstein im Taunus: home for commuters, families and seniors Population: 15,797 Area: 2,510 ha Foreigners: 17.8 % Facts: . Extraordinary green . A wide range of leisure activities . Very expensive properties . Not developed public transport infrastructure . A lot of traffic jams on the roads . Popular among better-off families and seniors

 Oberursel: beautiful place between nature and a big city Population: 43,405 Area: 4,531 ha Foreigners: 16.34 % Facts: . High property prices . A variety of leisure activities . Popular among better-off families 14

Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

. Well-functioning infrastructure

 Steinbach: convenient location for businesses and families Population: 9,933 Area: 440 ha Foreigners: 21.4 % Facts: . Ideal for commuters & families . Expensive one-family houses versus cheaper residential areas . Green spaces between individual blocks of flats, which increases visual attractiveness

Searching on Your Own: Search via Internet sites

 Enable e-mail notifications and express interest within 10-15 minutes after the ad goes online (Golden time)  Reply only in German since no one cares if you apply in English.  Call if the phone number is provided  Source for multiple websites

For permanent apartments:

 Immobilienscout 24 http://www.immobilienscout24.de  Immowelt http://www.immowelt.de  Immonet http://www.immonet.de  Ebay-Kleinanzeigen http://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de

For furnished apartments as a temporary solution:

 AirBnB http://www.airbnb.de (international)  WIMDU http://www.wimdu.de (Germany)  The Home Like https://app.thehomelike.com (Germany) 15

Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

 Urbanbnb https://www.urbanbnb.de/

Template of a request in German:

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, mein Name ist [your first & last name, your position] der internationalen IT Firma Luxoft GmbH in [name of the city you will work in]. Ich bin nach Frankfurt am Main am [date of your arrival to Germany] gekommen und möchte mir gerne Ihre Wohnung ansehen und wenn alles passt anmieten. Mein monatliches Netto Gehalt beträgt [your monthly net salary] EURO. Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Besichtigungstermin für die Wohnung bestätigen sowie die Liste der nötigen Bewerbungsunterlagen mitteilen? Bei weiteren Fragen stehe ich Ihnen gerne zur Verfügung.

Vielen Dank im Voraus und schönen Tag noch. [Your first and last name, your contact phone number email address].

Search via newspapers Frankfurter Wochenblatt (see here) is a local free newspaper where you can place your ad. The benefits of placing an ad are: 1) you cover all districts in Frankfurt as well as in Main-Taunus-Kreis and Hochtaunuskreis 2) you will be contacted by the Landlords who do not use internet (usually older people or people who trust the newspapers more). You can also download an E-paper.

How to place an ad:

1. In dropdown menu Anzeigen please click on Private Anzeigenaufgabe 2. Then, click on Immobilien 3. Under Ausgabe select one of the three options, where you want to place an ad: Frankfurter Wochenblatt Gesamt (covers all the Frankfurt districts), Frankfurter Wochenblatt / Taunuswochenblick Gesamt (covers all the Frankfurt districts as well as all the districts in Main-Taunus-Kreis and Hochtaunuskreis)

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

or Taunuswochenblick Gesamt (covers all the districts in Main-Taunus-Kreis

and Hochtaunuskreis). 4. Under Rubrik, please select one of the following options: Mietgesuche (rental requests) Mietgesuche 1-2 Zimmer (rental requests 1-2 rooms) Mietgesuche 2 1/2 Zimmer und mehr (rental requests 2 1/2 rooms and more Mietgesuche Häuser (rental requests houses) Möbliertes Wohnen (furnished apartments) 5. Under Termin(e) please select the date of issuing, then click on Nächster Schritt (next step) 6. You can select one of the samples with or w/o a picture that you like the most visually and click on Nächster Schritt (next step) 7. Then, you find the summary and the text of the ad. Please edit both. (A template is provided below) and click on Vorschau erzeugen (generate a preview) and click on Nächster Schritt (next step) 8. Here you will find your ad and the price (Price can range from 30 to 50 EUR). 9. Click on Nächster Schritt (next step) 10. Please fill out your personal details and German bank details.

Template of an ad in German

Summary: Mietgesuche 2 Zimmer (rental request 2 rooms)

Template for singles:

Sympatischer IT-Ingenieur (sympatische IT-Ingenieurin for ladies) (31) in unbef. Festanstellung, NR sucht 2 Zi-Whg mit guter Verbindung zu Eschborn-Süd ab 01.07.2019 bis WM 1.000,- EUR

Template for families:

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

Sympatischer IT-Ingenieur mit Frau und zwei Kindern (35) in unbef. Festanstellung, NR sucht 3 Zi-Whg mit guter Verbindung zu Eschborn-Süd ab 01.07.2019 bis WM 1.200,- EUR.

Real Estate Agencies: Please note, that in Germany there works the so called “orderer principle” (in Ger. Bestellerprinzip), meaning whoever places the order, has to pay. You will not be charged if you find an apartment that has been already offered by a Real Estate Agent on behalf of the Landlord.

 AllGrund Immobilien GmbH Immanuel-Kant-Str. 35, 63303 Dreieich www.allgrund.com https://web.frankfurtrentals.de/en Tel.: 06103 310847 Tel.: 06103 310849 Email: [email protected]

 Smart-Solution24 GmbH Oleg Galkin Schlesische Straße 3, D-35683 Dillenburg Tel.: +49 (0) 2771 36 000 11 Mobil: +49 (0) 151 59 45 48 58 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.smart-solution24.de

 Lydia Ishikawa Immobilien GmbH Tel.: +49(0)69 79 30 10 E-mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.lii.de/en/

After finding an apartment:

 After signing your rental agreement you will also have to sign a Handover certificate (in German Übergabeprotokoll), (can be downloaded here). Be very careful, note down all the damages before moving in. Otherwise, when you

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX LUXOFT GERMANY T: +49 711 49049 201 Stadionstr. 66 F: +49 711 49049 299 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen www.luxoft.com

leave the apartment you will be responsible for repairing or replacing things that

are damaged. It might be very costly!  Strongly recommended to have a Privathaftpflichtversicherung (Third-party Private Liability Insurance). Info can be find here;  Be in a good relationship with the Landlord. It will solve many problems.  In case of any problems with the Landlord, you can contact a Mieterverein. For more information about Mieterverein in Frankfurt/Main, please click here.

Useful abbreviations:  Whg (Wohnung) = flat  DG (Dachgeschoss) – flat located under the roof  MFH (Mehrfamilienhaus) = multi – flat building  Zi (Zimmer) – room(s)  ca. (circa) = approximately  SZ (Schlafzimmer) – bedroom  MP (Mietpreis) – rent price  mtl. (monatlich) – monthly  KM (Kaltmiete) = the base rent  WM (Warmmiete) = rent including utility costs  zzgl (zuzüglich) = excluding  EBK (Einbauküche) = kitchen  TG (Tiefgarage) = underground garage

June 2019

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Steuer-Nr.: 99028/09891| UST-ID: DE199671990| BIC Code: DEUTDEFFXXX