Ok, the weekly update, sans pictures....
We have been thrown into the maelstrom of rental housing in a resort town. Things go very quickly, and there are lots of fees and lease agreement statutes that aren't common in the states. To say that it's overwhelming is an understatement. If only my car were here and not in transit... (Speaking of, last time I looked, my car was floating into a hurricane. What's that about?) We are currently relying on taxis, friends, and the occasional bus to get us where we need to go...
If you want to rent an apartment or house in Germany, there are a few things you should prepare for. First, the deposits and fees. Because Wiesbaden is a resort town, rentals are very expensive. If you are looking at a three bedroom, two bathroom duplex near town, you are going to be paying around 2500 Euro per month. Here's an example of such a dwelling... In order to rent this unit, you must provide 2 cold rents (Kaltmeite) to your landlord, and 2.38% of the yearly rent (or 2.38 cold rents) to your Realtor. That's 10.862,40 Euro for my example duplex, for those who are counting.
Though it is not the case with this listing, most German rentals do not come with a KITCHEN. No, really, they take the cabinets, fridge, oven and stove with them when they go. The also take the light fixtures. And maybe other things... You could, in all possibility, be renting some walls and a door with a lock. Woot.
Speaking of walls, it is generally expected that the tenant will 'renovate' before leaving the house. You will deep clean the apartment, and paint the walls and ceilings (and if your landlord doesn't like the job you did, he can hire professionals and charge you). You are also responsible for up to 8% of the yearly total rents worth of repairs to your dwelling. So, if you have a 2000 Euro flat that totals 1920 Euro per year of repairs. These things are spelled out in your rental agreement, which is usually 15 pages long and in German.
Oh, and if you are wanting to leave your humble abode, you must provide a minimum of 3 months notice - no notice, your lease automatically renews, and boy-oh-boy does THAT get expensive...
Luckily, we have the option of going through the garrison housing office - they have special deals worked out with area landlords. It's still expensive, but it's NOT what the typical expat or contractor must deal with to live on economy. It looks like we might be living in a house or duplex by the 15th. I should have pictures soonish - our internet at the American Arms Hotel leaves a little to be desired.
By next week, I may be able to tell you what it's like to buy a car in Germany. Till then, take care, y'all!
4 comments:
On the blog. Cool.
-Carl
I'm so confused!! What is a "cold rent?" The 10.862,40, what does that translate to in American Dollars? It sounds crazy, but I'm sure its loads of fun. Can't wait to hear about what it takes to buy a car! Miss you.
I'm glad to hear you're both doing alright. As for the car heading into a hurricane, I hope with all the attention Mini gave to beating Porsche that gave that car the ability to swim. And even if they haven't you'll be able to get a REAL Mini!
I remember watching some international housing show with the wife and them saying the same thing about kitchens in Italy as well. I bet the people over there have a better respect for rental properties with those types of rules.
Cold rent, or Kaltmeite, is the cost of renting a house without utilities. Warmeite, or warm rent, includes utilities. Some utiliites, maybe even all in some cases, are paid to the landlord. At the end of the year they are reconciled with actual costs, and you either have to pay what you owe or get a refund. It really pays to conserve in that case.
Speaking of conserving - if you are going to be stopped in your car for longer than a minute (say, at a train crossing), you must turn off your engine by law. Also, if your car doesn't move for 3 minutes, you are parked (unless you're in a stau (traffic jam). So, parking rules apply - no waiting in front of the store for wifey to come out with some groceries!
And, Dana, that amount of Euro exchanges for roughly 13,700. It's pretty typical to need around 10K to get into a place. Yesterday, I saw a place where they wanted a total of 6.5 kaltmeite. It's crazy.
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