Skip to content

Living in Saxony

Updated:

You can quickly find a suitable apartment in many regions of Saxony. In larger cities such as Leipzig or Dresden, however, the search can take longer. Here you will find tips for your apartment search.

pixabay/Manfred Reinert

Find an apartment

Rental opportunities

  • Apartments from cooperatives or private landlords - usually rented on a long-term basis, often unfurnished
  • Shared flat (WG) - particularly popular with students and young people
  • Furnished apartment - ideal for starters or temporary stays
  • Subletting - renting from someone who is temporarily not using their apartment or offering additional space

You can find out more about rent, deposits, contracts and insurance here

It is customary to view an apartment in person. You then decide and sign a tenancy agreement. Some estate agents also offer online viewings. Ask for an appointment.

The rent consists of:

  • Basic rent: only for the use of the apartment, excluding ancillary costs
  • Service charges: including water, heating, waste disposal, janitor
  • Warm rent: the sum of basic rent and ancillary costs (total monthly amount)

Before moving in, you usually pay a deposit of up to three basic rents. This will be refunded after you move out if there are no damages or outstanding payments.
You can find the customary local rents in the rent index of your city or municipality.

Handing over the apartment

Before moving in, take a look at the apartment with the landlord or landlady. A handover protocol will be drawn up. This will state what the apartment looks like (e.g. walls, floors, furniture, any damage). This protocol protects both sides and prevents disputes when you move out.

Tenancy agreement

The tenancy agreement can be freely drafted, but should always be in writing. This reduces misunderstandings.

A tenancy agreement contains at least

  • the exact address and description of the apartment
  • Purpose of use (e.g. living)
  • Amount of the rent
  • Start of the tenancy

It often also contains the rights and obligations of you and the landlord/landlady and house rules.
Read the contract and house rules carefully. Rules that put tenants at a severe disadvantage are not permitted.

You can find further important information on tenancy agreements in the brochure Residential Tenancy Law (in German).

After moving to Saxony, you must register with the registration office within 2 weeks.
To do this, you will need

Information on opening hours, forms and documents can be obtained from your local registration office.

  • Private liability insurance: Protects you if you unintentionally cause damage to other people or their property. It is voluntary, but is strongly recommended in Germany.
  • Household contents insurance: Protects your property in your home, e.g. against fire, water damage, burglary or storms. Also voluntary, but often useful.

Beware of online scammers when looking for accommodation

Do not transfer any money before a rental agreement has been signed. If possible, have a trustworthy person view the apartment on site. Personal contact helps you to recognize genuine offers. If something seems strange to you, reject the offer.

Good neighborliness in Saxony

Good contact with your neighbors can make your start in Saxony easier. However, it is not always easy to get to know new neighbors. Some welcome you in a friendly manner, others prefer peace and quiet and distance.

There are a few important rules to ensure that living together is pleasant:

Observe quiet times
Loud activities such as music, television, parties or very loud conversations should be avoided during certain times or should only take place at room volume.

When does quiet time apply?
In Germany, the times are not uniformly regulated. They can vary depending on the federal state, municipality, tenancy agreement or house rules.
Typical quiet times are

  • Night-time rest: usually from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Midday rest: often from 13:00 to 15:00

On Sundays and public holidays, special protective regulations also apply in Saxony in accordance with the Law on Sundays and Public Holidays in the Free State of Saxony (SächsSFG). Only light, non-disruptive work is permitted on these days.