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A wide variety of private rental accommodation is available, particularly in the cities, but it is expensive, particularly if you wish to rent furnished accommodation for a relatively short time period. Some expatriates report that rent payments take up half of their salaries. The majority of rental properties are let unfurnished, excluding even basic facilities such as curtains and kitchen equipment.

Apartments for rent are advertised in the classifieds section of the local newspapers, being placed by the property owners, real estate agents or the existing tenants looking for someone to take over their contract. Estate agencies also deal with rental properties, but they charge the tenant a commission of up to two months' rent, plus VAT, once a contract has been signed.

It is possible to check whether the rent you are being asked to pay is reasonable, by checking the Mietspeigel, a table which lists rent prices for each town and city. This is held at the town hall, and tenants' associations will also have a copy for their area. The rent payable usually includes an amount for communal maintenance charges, but utility bills are usually paid separately by the tenant. Most landlords require the rent to be paid by standing order or bank transfer.

It is common practice in Germany for tenants to be asked to redecorate their rented accommodation, either when they move in or move out. It is also common for landlords to require tenants to take out contents insurance and/or personal liability insurance.