Wunderflats FAQ

Question 1

What are the costs of renting an apartment through Wunderflats?

Accepted Answer

Browsing through Wunderflats listings is entirely free. You can explore apartments across all our markets without any charges and request as many apartments as you like.      In the listing, you'll see all the costs for renting the apartment:    the all-inclusive rent, deposit, and a final cleaning fee (please read below).   Once a landlord accepts your request and you want to proceed the booking, you'll need to pay the Wunderflats Service Fee for tenants. This one-time, upfront fee secures your reservation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process in securing your new apartment. The fee varies depending on the location of the apartment (learn more here).       Once you and your landlord have confirmed the booking, you will also be required to make the following payment:   Before moving in (specified in the rental agreement):   First month's all-inclusive rent to the landlord  Deposit (typically charged by the landlord)  Final cleaning fee (typically charged by the landlord)       Starting from the second month:    You will need to pay all-inclusive monthly rent directly to the landlord as specified in the rental agreement.       The Helfende Wände refugee housing platform is free, the Wunderflats Service Fee does not apply.     Click the photo to watch our video on YouTube to learn more about the monthly rental fees:

Question 2

What costs are included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

At Wunderflats we work with all-inclusive rental prices, which also include the furniture surcharge and monthly utilities such as heating, electricity, water, and internet.     The fixed rate for utilities depends on the average consumption of the last years and the number of tenants. According to the experience of our Wunderflats landlords, the costs of different consumer behaviors balance out well over several tenants. In case of significantly higher consumption, an additional payment might be due, which can be offset against the security deposit.     Click the photo to watch our video on YouTube:

Question 3

How do I pay my rent?

Accepted Answer

The monthly rent is payable in advance and no later than the 1st working day of each rental month, and should be paid directly to the landlord. Unless otherwise agreed with your landlord, the rent should be paid directly into their bank account, you can also make these payments from a non-German bank account. The landlord's bank account details are specified in the rental agreement.      In the case of partially rented months, the rent is to be paid pro rata.     If you'd prefer to pay by another method, such as a credit card, it can be arranged in exceptional cases, you must first discuss it with the landlord before you sign the rental agreement.     Find out more here:   How are rent payments calculated?  When do I have to transfer the first month’s rent and the security deposit?   Wunderflats is not a contractual party to the rental agreements. Rent payments should be transferred directly to the landlord, not to Wunderflats.

Question 4

When do I have to transfer the first month’s rent and the security deposit?

Accepted Answer

Both the deposit and the first month's rent must be paid into the landlord's bank account before you move into the apartment. Please find more information here.  You can find the details of the rent payment in your rental agreement.    Wunderflats is not a contractual party to the rental agreements. Therefore, the rent or deposit can neither be transferred to Wunderflats nor refunded by Wunderflats to the tenants.

Question 5

Can I pay the rent for the entire rental period in advance?

Accepted Answer

Rent is usually paid on a monthly basis, the first month's rent is due before moving in. In most cases, an advance payment is not required, but it can be discussed with the landlord after the rental agreement has been signed.     In the case of an advance payment, the necessary documents will still be required to complete the booking and draw up the rental agreement. You can find a list of required documents here: Which documents should I have at hand?

Question 6

Do I have to pay a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

Landlords can charge a security deposit. This payment serves as a security in case tenants cause damage to the property, such as furniture damage. Once you send a booking request, you can see the amount of the security deposit in the apartment's cost overview.      According to our rental agreements, both the deposit and the first month's rent should be visible on the landlord's bank account before moving in.     You can find out more about the security deposit refund here.  To make sure you can get your deposit back in full and on time, read our full guide to Deposits in Germany.     Click the photo to watch our video 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.

Question 7

When will I get my security deposit back?

Accepted Answer

In Germany, landlords are not obliged to refund the rental deposit immediately after the tenant moves out. 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).   If you have not received your deposit back four weeks after moving out, please ask your landlord when you can expect to receive it back. We will be happy to help you if you have any difficulties.     For further advice on deposits, and what to do in case you have a disagreement or difficulties communicating with the landlord, read our guide to Deposits in Germany or click the photo to watch our video 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.

Question 8

Can I also pay the deposit with a bank guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Landlords can decide which deposit payment methods they prefer. If you'd like to pay with a bank guarantee, we will be happy to ask them if they accept it. In this case, please clarify the details of the bank guarantee with your bank in advance.

Question 9

How are rent payments calculated?

Accepted Answer

Under point 4 in your contract you will find information about your first and last rent payments. These calculations apply in Germany:     If your lease starts before the 15th day of a month, the pro rata rent of the first month is due as mentioned in §4.1.  Example: If your contract starts on 07/05, your first rent payment consists of the remaining 25 days of May (07/05 - 31/05).     If your contract starts after the 15th day of a month, your first rent payment will include the pro rata rent for the remaining days of the started month as well as the total rent of the following month.  Example: If your contract starts on 16/05, your first rent payment consists of the remaining 16 days of May and the monthly rent of June (16/05 - 30/06).     The same applies to the last rent payment.      If your lease ends before the 15th day of a month, the remaining days of the last month will be included in the rent payment of the previous month.  Example: If your contract ends on 07/05, your last rent payment is due at the end of March and includes the entire monthly rent of April plus the 7 days from May (01/04 to 07/05).     If your contract ends after the 15th of a month, the rent payment will not be added to the previous month and will be due at the end of the previous month.  Example: If your contract ends on 16/05, your last rent consists only of the days of May (01/05 - 16/05) and is due at the end of April, at the latest on the 3rd working day in May.

Question 10

First Month's Rent -  Info for Tenants

Accepted Answer

1. What does it mean that Wunderflats collects the first month’s rent?  When you, as a tenant, confirm a booking on Wunderflats, we ask you to input your payment details. Once the landlord confirms the booking from his side, we will collect the first month’s rent and the Wunderflats service fee using your selected payment method. This confirms your booking and blocks the apartment for you.    2. Do I always pay the first month’s rent through Wunderflats?  Not yet. The new secure payment flow is currently being rolled out and is only active for selected landlords and listings.  If it applies, you’ll pay the first month’s rent directly via Wunderflats at booking confirmation. Otherwise, the payment will still be made directly to the landlord.  It will be clearly stated in each listing whether you should pay the first month’s rent via the platform or to the landlord. Learn more about the standard payment flow, without the first month’s rent collection.    3. Why do I pay at the time of booking confirmation?  This upfront payment guarantees your apartment is reserved and helps to protect you and your money. It also shows the landlord you’re committed to moving in. Wunderflats holds your payment securely and only transfers it to the landlord 48 hours after your rental start date, unless you report an issue during that time.  Please note: Your card is only charged after the landlord confirms the booking. Until then, we just store the card details securely.    4. Is this an extra fee?  No. This is not an extra cost. It’s simply the first month’s rent, which you’d normally pay directly to the landlord. You just pay it through Wunderflats for greater security.    5. Is my payment safe?  Yes. Your money is securely held by our payment partner Stripe, a PCI Level 1-certified payment processor. Your data is encrypted and protected.    6. Can I change my payment method/card details?  You can update your payment method before confirming the booking. After confirmation, changes are no longer possible for security and processing reasons. If you're having issues with your current payment method, please contact us as soon as possible.    7. What if there’s a problem when I move in?  If you experience serious issues with the apartment, you should report it within 48 hours of your rental start date, ideally within the first 5 hours. We’ll immediately pause the landlord’s payout and investigate the issue to support you appropriately. Your payment will remain secure while we assess the situation.    8. Do I need to pay the landlord anything else?  Yes. While Wunderflats handles your first month’s rent, additional payments (security deposit, final cleaning fee, monthly rent beyond the first month) will be made directly between you and the landlord, as usual. Make sure to clarify the payment method and timeline in advance.    9. Will I receive an invoice or receipt for my payment?  Yes, invoices and receipts are available in your “My Bookings page” once the payment is processed.    10. What payment methods can I use for the first month’s rent?  You can pay via the most common methods, including credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.    11. Can I split the payment for the first month’s rent and the service fee?  Currently, split payments are not supported. The full amount must be paid in one transaction.