Wunderflats FAQ

Question 1

Booking/Booking request

Accepted Answer

Prospective tenants can send non-binding booking requests online. These are forwarded to landlords, who check the availability of the apartment and accept or decline the request. The booking request only becomes a binding booking once a landlord completes the booking - This requires verification and payment of the Service Fee from the tenant.

Question 2

Confirm availability

Accepted Answer

The landlord of a requested Wunderflat will confirm the availability of the apartment for the desired period. In most cases, you will receive a response within 48 hours.

Question 3

Confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

Accepted Answer

According to the German Federal Act on Registration, landlords are obliged to contribute to the official registration of their tenants and to issue them with a confirmation of residence (§19 BMG). The tenant submits this confirmation when registering an address (Anmeldung) or changing the place of residence at the registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) or the citizens' office (Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro).    Please download our template for the confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). The confirmation can also be issued informally; it must contain the following information:     Name and address of the landlord and, if they are not the owner, the name of the owner of the apartment    Date the tenant moves in    Address of the rented apartment    Names of all persons moving into the apartment    Signature of the landlord     An exception is made if the rented apartment is in an accommodation facility (for example, in an apartment hotel). For more information see our Guide on the Confirmation of Residence for landlords in Germany here.   Please note: This article does not constitute legal advice – the information on this page has been prepared solely for your information. As we are not a law firm and act as a platform, we can and may share our estimations, but we cannot give you legal advice for your individual further proceedings.

Question 4

Energy performance certificate

Accepted Answer

The energy performance certificate provides data on the energy efficiency and energy costs of a building. Energy performance certificates have been mandatory for all residential buildings in Germany since 2009. Since 2014, landlords have been required to include information on the energy efficiency standard in the property listing. On Wunderflats, landlords can add information on the energy performance certificate. They can also indicate if the license has been newly requested and isn't yet available or if it isn't required for the building.

Question 5

Final cleaning fee

Accepted Answer

The final cleaning fee (end-of-tenancy cleaning fee) is used for the deep cleaning of the apartment when tenants change. The landlord/-lady usually sets the fee as a fixed rate which is already recorded in the rental agreement. Depending on the size of the apartment, the average cleaning fee is between €100 and €150.

Question 6

Handover protocol

Accepted Answer

The handover protocol is a key document that helps landlords and tenants confirm the condition of the apartment and the furniture during the handover of the apartment when moving in and out. The document is signed by both the tenant and the landlord.     When the tenant moves in, any existing damages can be recorded in the protocol. When the tenant moves out, it can be determined whether or which damages have been newly caused. These can then be offset against the deposit.   We have created handover protocol template you can download and use when handing over the apartment. For further guidance, see Our Tips for a smooth apartment handover on the Wunderflats Hub.

Question 7

House rules

Accepted Answer

House rules define the rights and responsibilities of people living together under the same roof. The house rules are part of the rental agreement or are posted in the stairwell of the apartment building.  You can find our detailed guide to house rules in Germany on the Wunderflats Hub.

Question 8

Inventory list

Accepted Answer

The inventory list helps landlords easily document and track all the furniture and equipment in the apartment that is included in the rent. List all the furniture and equipment as accurately as possible, for example, the number of plates and cups (instead of simply writing 'dishes') and the brands of the technical devices. This way, you can easily keep track of the equipment in your apartment.      You can download our template for the inventory list here.  You can also attach the inventory list to the handover protocol when you hand over the apartment.

Question 9

Minimum rental period

Accepted Answer

The minimum rental period for all apartments offered on Wunderflats is one month.   Depending on the municipality or city, there are longer minimum durations to ensure that rentals are in conformity with regulations regarding misappropriation.

Question 10

Misappropriation law

Accepted Answer

Several German cities and municipalities are facing a housing shortage and have introduced bans on the rental of living spaces for purposes other than residential housing. The ban also applies to renting out apartments to tourists on a daily or weekly basis.     Apartments available at Wunderflats are not designed for short-term stays. Renting out furnished homes on a temporary basis does not violate the misappropriation law if all the local regulations are observed. You can find further information on the Wunderflats Hub.

Question 11

Registration (Anmeldung)

Accepted Answer

According to the German Federal Act on Registration, tenants are required to register within 14 days at the registration office or citizens' office when moving into a new apartment (Anmeldung). This applies to the primary as well as the secondary residence, and equally when moving within a city, within Germany and when moving to Germany from abroad.      In order to register, a confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) is required.     An exception is made if the rented apartment is in an accommodation facility (for example, in an apartment hotel)    Tenants in an accommodation facility who already have a residence in Germany need to register as residents in the rented flat once the rental period exceeds six months.    Tenants in an accommodation facility who do not yet have a residence in Germany need to register as residents in the rented flat once the rental period exceeds three months.        After this period, registration with the authorities is required within 14 days.     Please note: This article does not constitute legal advice – the information on this page has been prepared solely for your information. As we are not a law firm and act as a platform, we can and may share our estimations, but we cannot give you legal advice for your individual further proceedings.

Question 12

Rent

Accepted Answer

Rent is paid monthly from the tenant directly to the landlord. The rental agreement outlines all payment details. At Wunderflats, all apartments have all-inclusive rents. This means tenants pay a monthly rent to their landlords that covers everything: rent, utilities (electricity, water, heating), internet, furnishings, property taxes, and other costs based on a fair usage policy.      Overall, Wunderflats' all-inclusive rents benefits both tenants and landlords by offering a transparent and convenient way to manage rental finances.

Question 13

Rental agreement

Accepted Answer

The rental agreement for an apartment offered on Wunderflats is concluded between the landlord and the tenant. Wunderflats is not a party to the rental agreement. We can take care of processing the contract and provide our verified Wunderflats rental agreement free of charge.     In Germany, our verified Wunderflats rental agreement is bilingual. The German version is the legally valid version, the English translation is for your orientation.     You can find further information on the Wunderflats Hub.

Question 14

Security deposit

Accepted Answer

The security deposit (also known as a rental deposit) is a payment made by tenants to the landlord. This payment serves as security for the landlord in case the tenants fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, such as damages or unpaid rent. The deposit is agreed upon by both parties and must be received by the landlord no later than the day before move-in.  Refund of the Deposit: In Germany, landlords have a reasonable period after move-out to check for damages or unpaid rent, typically between two to six months. After this period, the deposit must be refunded to the tenant. If there are outstanding utility costs, part of the deposit may be withheld until the final accounting (no later than 12 months after move-out).  You can find further advice on managing deposits in Germany in our guide for tenants, and our guide for landlords.   Click the photo to watch our video for tenants on YouTube:       Wunderflats is not a contractual party to the rental agreements. Therefore, the deposit can neither be transferred to Wunderflats nor refunded by Wunderflats to the tenants.     Please note: This article does not constitute legal advice – the information on this page has been prepared solely for your information. As we are not a law firm and act as a platform, we can and may share our estimations, but we cannot give you legal advice for your individual further proceedings.

Question 15

Wunderflats Service Fee for Landlords

Accepted Answer

At Wunderflats, we make it easy, safe, and hassle-free to rent out your furnished apartment. You can list your furnished apartment on Wunderflats completely free and get expert support from our team throughout the process. It is only when you rent out your apartment that a Wunderflats Service Fee for landlords will be applied. The Service Fee includes various services for landlords including consultation and professional support, contracting, and tenant verification. Find out more about this here.      Here you’ll find answers to the following questions:   How much is the Wunderflats Service Fee for landlords?  When does the landlord have to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  When does a reduced VAT apply?  How can I pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  What happens if there is a change in the duration of the booking or if my tenant moves out early?  Can I pay the Wunderflats Service Fee in installments?      1. How much is the Wunderflats Service Fee for landlords?  Depending on the location of the property, this fee is a percentage of the total rental price.   In Germany and Austria, it is 10% plus 19% VAT, effectively 11.9% incl taxes for private and commercial landlords.  In France, it is 5% plus 20% VAT, effectively 6% for private landlords, and 10% plus 20% VAT, effectively 12% incl taxes for commercial landlords.       The Helfende Wände refugee housing platform is free, the Wunderflats Service Fee does not apply.     2. When does the landlord have to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  As a landlord, you will receive an invoice for the Wunderflats Service Fee after completing a booking for the entire rental period. The same applies to renewing a rental agreement with a tenant found through Wunderflats. The Wunderflats Service Fee is due within 14 days after receipt of the invoice. Our billing invoice is not tied to the start date of the lease.     3. When does a reduced VAT apply?  If your property is in Germany or Austria and the rental period is less than six months, the Wunderflats Service Fee for landlords is calculated from the total rent minus the applicable 7% tax based on the net income rent. This is a gesture of goodwill, and there is no legal claim to it.     4. How can I pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  Landlords have several ways to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee:     Via your dashboard using a credit or debit card, through Apple Pay or Google Pay    Via direct bank transfer, you can find the details on your invoice.    To view your current invoices, simply log in to your dashboard and head to the payments tab.     Tip: The option of Google/Apple Pay is only shown when this payment method is already set up in your device.     5. What happens if there is a change in the duration of the booking or if my tenant moves out early?  When your booking changes, we cancel the old invoice and send you a new one.  If you, as the landlord, have agreed to the tenant's early departure, you will only be charged for the time they rented. Any additional payment will be refunded or applied to your next invoice.     6. Can I pay the Wunderflats Service Fee in installments?  If the rental period is at least nine months, you can request to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee via a SEPA direct debit mandate.

Question 16

Wunderflats Service Fee for Tenants

Accepted Answer

The Wunderflats Service Fee for tenants is a one-time fee to finalize your booking. It ensures a hassle-free rental experience for finding your new home.     Here you’ll find answers to the following questions:   How much is the Wunderflats Service Fee for tenants?  When does the tenant have to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  How can I pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  I already paid the Service Fee. Do I have to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee for my next bookings?  Can tenants get a refund of their Wunderflats Service Fee?  How long does it take to receive a refund?      Click the photo to watch our video on YouTube:       1. How much is the Wunderflats Service Fee for tenants?  The fee varies depending on the location of the apartment. In Germany and Austria, the service fee is €299, in France, it is €399.      The Helfende Wände refugee housing platform is free, the Wunderflats Service Fee does not apply.     2. When does the tenant have to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  You'll need to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee for tenants once a landlord accepts your request and you want to proceed the booking.     3. How can I pay the Wunderflats Service Fee?  As a tenant you can pay the fee by credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal. You can also choose to receive an invoice and pay via bank transfer (Click on “Alternative payment methods”). If you choose to pay by bank transfer, you will receive an invoice via email.     Tip: The option of Google/Apple Pay is only shown when this payment method is already set up in your device.     4. I already paid the Service Fee. Do I have to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee for my next bookings?  If you are requesting a new apartment and you are not renewing your current rental agreement, you will be required to pay a new Service Fee. This fee does not apply to any extensions of your current rental agreement.     5. Can tenants get a refund of their Wunderflats Service Fee?  You as a tenant are eligible for a refund of your paid Service Fee if the reservation of an apartment is cancelled due to issues with Wunderflats or the landlord. In such cases, you can continue with other apartments without paying the Service Fee again. If you decide to not move on with another apartment, please contact our support team at +49 30 12086220 or write us via email to booking@wunderflats.com. Your booking manager will manually process the refund for you.  However, if you choose not to proceed with the apartment despite the possibility of finalizing a rental agreement, we regret to inform you that the fee will not be refunded, as it compensates for our services already rendered. You are welcome to proceed with another apartment without needing to pay the fee again.  If you have requested a viewing of the apartment and the apartment does not suit you after the viewing or a viewing is not possible, you can continue with another apartment without paying a new Service Fee. Please note that a refund of the Service Fee is unfortunately not possible in this case.   6. How long does it take to receive a refund?  Once our Booking team accepts the refund claim, refunds are processed within 8 business days - depending on the payment method.     for Stripe payments, it takes up to 3 business days     for bank transfers, it takes up to 8 business days    If you haven’t received your refund within this timeframe, please get in touch with our accounting team at accounting@wunderflats.com.

Question 17

Utility costs

Accepted Answer

Utility costs are all expenses that are charged monthly in addition to the basic rent. These include costs for water, electricity, heating and internet.      At Wunderflats we work with all-inclusive rents. These include utility costs.     At the end of the year, there is therefore no utilities statement and no retroactive compensation payments are foreseen.     For our landlords/-ladies we provided further information here on our Blog.