Apartment hunting in Hamburg can be an exciting yet tiring process as you search for the perfect place to call home.

• It's not IMPOSSIBLE!
• Create accounts on all relevant apps & maintain a complete profile.
• Keep checking the listings & turn on notifications for new ads.
• Apartments can be rented from firms and also privately.
• Beware of scams:
  • Don't pay any money after just communicating over the internet.
  • Always ask for a visiting appointment.
  • Don't meet anyone without actually seeing the apartment beforehand.
• Semi-government firms and public funded apartments are more economical.
• No built-in kitchen are normal, install your own kitchen furniture and appliances and when moving out either sell (here) them or take them with you.
• Always have Insurances in case of damages to the property.
• Peaceful Hours:
  • Don't use loud machines on Sundays.
  • Try to keep it down after 20:00 in the evening.
  • On Friday & Saturday night the resting time starts after midnight (00:00).

Following tips can help you for your application:

• Introduce yourself & your family, e.g. number of people who intend to live.
• Share if you have kids and how many.
• Mention if you have a pet.
• Let them know if you are a non-smoker.
• Share the total nett Income of your household.
• Do mention the earliest possible date for you to shift into the apartment.
• If you have already found the apartment you want, then write why is this place important/convenient for you. e.g. kid's Kita is near, office is nearby, neighbourhood is kids friendly etc
• If your job field is one the most demanding in the current market, do mention it.

A typical procedure:

• After finding an apartment you want, apply with all the above information.
• Attach all documents if required, e.g. salary slips.
• If you are selected as a one of the suitable candidates, you will get an appointment to have a look at the apartment.
• If the given appointment suits you or not, inform them accordingly in each case.
• BE ON TIME! Give a good impression.
• If you are interested in the apartment, ask the organizer how you can apply for it.
• Ask them until when they will get back to you with the final decision.
• If you are selected, you will get a phone call, an E-Mail or sometimes a contract via post.
• Read the contract carefully, sign both copies and keep one for yourself.
• You will get the keys one the first working day, of when your contract is starting.
• After moving do register yourself at nearest Rathaus.

You can try following Apps/Websites, ofcourse these aren't all & the list goes on...