🔑 Flat Viewings in Aachen: How to Impress Landlords

Finding a flat in Aachen, whether you’re an expat relocating to Germany or a student moving for study, can be challenging. Aachen’s rental market moves quickly, and first impressions count. This guide explains how to prepare for apartment viewings, what landlords look for, and tips to help you succeed even when demand is high.

🗓️ Before the Viewing: Prepare Like a Pro

🔎 Start Your Search Early

The earlier you begin your search, the better your chances, especially if you plan to move at the start of a semester or work contract. Popular platforms include:

Immobilienscout24.de
Immowelt.de
Immonet.de
WG-Gesucht.de
Kleinanzeigen.de (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen)
Meinestadt.de
HousingAnywhere
Wunderflats
HC24.de

Don’t forget local Facebook groups where listings often appear days before major portals:

Wohnungsbörse Aachen und Umgebung – Angebote & Gesuche
Aachen Wohnung / Haus / WG / Zimmer / Immobilie / mieten / vermieten
WG‑Zimmer & Wohnungen Aachen

🧾 Gather Your Documents

Landlords often make decisions quickly after a viewing. Be ready with:

SCHUFA report (credit history; should be recent — <2 months old)
Proof of income (contract + payslips, or guarantor details)
Passport or ID
Student documents (e.g., university enrollment + guarantor)
Liability insurance (optional but helpful)
Application form (Selbstauskunft) pre‑filled to save time

📌 Tip: Prepare a single merged PDF with all documents and send it immediately after viewing.

🏙️ What Happens at the Viewing

⏱️ Arrive Early and Look Prepared

Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Punctuality makes a positive impression.
Dress neatly; business casual is fine. You don’t need a suit, just clean, tidy clothes.

🤝 Be Friendly, Respectful, and Engaged

Greet the landlord/agent politely.
If you have some German skills, use them; even simple phrases can help.
Avoid mentioning negatives about the apartment during the visit.

📍 Open vs Private Viewings

Private viewing: Usually better, you get more time and personal attention.
Open viewing: If there are many applicants (10-40+), the chances of success can be lower, but it’s still worth attending.

🧠 What to Look for During a Viewing

👂 Noise & Neighbors

Check for soundproofing. Can you hear outside traffic or neighbors?
Visit at different times, if possible. Evenings are often louder than daytime.

🧼 Mold and Ventilation

Mold can be a problem in Germany’s older buildings. Look for:

Dark stains around windows or corners
Damp spots on walls

Ask about ventilation practices, as regular airing (“Lüften”) is crucial to prevent humidity and mold.

🚪 House Rules (Hausordnung)

Each building has its own rules covering:

Quiet hours
Use of common areas
Pet policies
BBQs and storage

Make sure you understand and are comfortable with the rules before you sign.

⚙️ Appliances and Utilities

Check whether there’s space for a washing machine in the flat.
Some buildings have shared laundry rooms; others have none.

Ask what utilities are included and what you must set up yourself, like electricity, internet, and TV. These are often separate contracts.

🛋️ Interacting With Flatmates (Especially for Shared Flats)

If the viewing is for a shared apartment (WG):

Expect more of a social meet‑and‑greet or interview.
Be prepared to talk about yourself, your schedule, and what you’re looking for in roommates.
Zweck‑WGs (purely cost‑saving) tend to be more straightforward; social WGs may ask more questions to see if you’re a good fit.

📋 Making a Strong First Impression

📝 Motivation Letter

Bringing a short motivation letter can help you stand out. It should:

Briefly describe who you are
State your employment/study status
Clarify your length of stay
Include your contact info and a photo
Translating it into basic German can make a big difference.

🎯 Don’t Negotiate the Rent

With high demand in Aachen, landlords rarely lower rent, and pushing for a discount may reduce your chances.

📨 Applying for the Apartment

After the viewing:

Apply immediately with all required documents attached.
Include a personalized message referring to the viewing.
Landlords or property managers might take a few days to respond, but acting fast gives you an edge.

📌 If you don’t hear back, don’t be discouraged. Sometimes, no reply means they’ve chosen another applicant.

🛠️ Overcoming Language Barriers

If the German language is a challenge:

Bring a bilingual friend to the viewing.
Ask the landlord to communicate over email so you can use tools like DeepL to translate.
Many Aachen landlords and tenants speak English; don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

🧭 What Makes Finding a Flat Easier

📌 Broaden Your Search

Don’t focus only on central Aachen. Nearby neighborhoods like Laurensberg, Richterich, Rothe Erde, or Brand may offer better options and slightly lower rents.

⏰ Start Early

Begin searching weeks or months ahead of your desired move‑in date, especially for popular areas.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Consider WGs

For students or singles, shared apartments are often easier and cheaper to secure.

📌 Quick Flat‑Viewing Checklist

Before your viewing, ask yourself:
✅ Are my documents ready in a single, neat PDF?
✅ Did I plan my route and travel time?
✅ Do I have a motivation letter?
✅ Am I prepared to pay the deposit and the first month’s rent quickly?
✅ Have I checked utilities and kitchen requirements?
✅ Do I understand house rules and waste/cleaning protocols?

🧭 Need Help With Your Aachen Housing Search?

Finding the right apartment can be stressful, especially in a competitive market like Aachen’s. ABOUT Aachen’s Home Search Support Service is here to assist you every step of the way.

With Our Home Search Support:

✅ Strong network: Access to landlords and exclusive off‑market listings
✅ High success rate: Flats found even during peak demand
✅ Full service: From viewings to lease signing

📩 Let us help you find your perfect place. Fill out our 🏡 Housing Request Form and tell us what you need, we’ll share available options that suit your profile and preferences.

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