Move-in Checklist for an Apartment in Aachen

So you’ve secured an apartment in Aachen. Congratulations! Whether you’re a student about to start classes or an expat relocating for work, the journey doesn’t stop once you sign the lease. There are important next steps to settle in smoothly and prepare for the move ahead. This move-in checklist outlines everything you need to know after finding a flat in Aachen, as well as the key things to prepare before your move, especially for newcomers to Germany.

1) Before you commit (anti-scam + decision)

Visit the apartment in person before signing anything (common scam prevention).
Read the lease carefully (rent increases, house rules, pets, notice periods).

Optional but recommended: have the lease checked by a tenants’ association (Mieterverein) such as Mieterschutzverein Aachen e. V..

2) Signing the lease (only when you’re sure)

Sign the lease once you’re 100% committed (in Germany, backing out can be difficult).
Confirm you will receive:
- Signed lease copy
- Tenancy confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) (needed for registration; often useful for other bureaucracy)

Handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll) (completed at handover)

3) Handover day (Wohnungsübergabe) — keys + proof

Do the Übergabeprotokoll thoroughly (every scratch/defect, missing items, etc.).
Take lots of photos/videos (protects your deposit when moving out).
Get all keys (apartment, mailbox, cellar) and make sure the key count matches the protocol.
Read the electricity meter and note:
- meter number (Zählernummer)
- meter reading (Zählerstand)

4) Payments (timing matters)

Pay rent only from when you can actually use the apartment (i.e., you have access/keys).
Pay the deposit (Kaution) by bank transfer (avoid cash; if cash, get a receipt).
- Don’t pay earlier than required; scammers push for fast payments.
Use your German or EU-based bank account (e.g., Sparkasse, Aachener Bank, or digital banks like N26 or C24)
Set up a standing order (Dauerauftrag) for automatic payments
Save all transaction records as digital receipts

5) Utilities & contracts (start early, but use the right data)

Electricity contract (usually not included in Warmmiete):
- Sign up using your meter number + reading (from handover).
- Compare electricity providers on Check24.

In many apartments, you need to choose and activate your own electricity provider. If no one registers a contract, you’ll automatically fall into the default utility (usually more expensive).

📍 Pro tip: The main grid provider in Aachen is Stawag, but you’re free to choose among many.

Internet contract ASAP (can take weeks):
- Order early; arrange technician/activation if needed.
- Compare internet plans via Check24.
- Choose between DSL, cable, or fiber options based on availability.
- Schedule a technician visit (some buildings already have the required lines)
- If you already have a contract, request a move/transfer (or cancel only if the provider can’t serve the new address).

Apartments in Aachen are typically not pre-equipped with internet. You’ll need to select a provider and arrange installation, which can take up to 2–4 weeks, especially in high-demand periods.

6) First days after moving in (Aachen-specific admin)

Put your name on the mailbox & doorbell (otherwise you may not receive mail).
Book your city appointment early (appointments can be scarce): use Stadt Aachen Serviceportal for scheduling.
Register your address (Anmeldung / Wohnsitz anmelden) at Aachen’s Bürger*innenbüro:
- Bring ID/passport for everyone moving in
- Bring Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- Bring other civil status documents if relevant (e.g., marriage certificate)
If you’re in Aachen as a student/researcher: check your uni guidance (RWTH Aachen University outlines the registration requirement and typical documents).

7) Set up the apartment (first 1–4 weeks)

Buy furniture & appliances (used is cheaper; watch for scammy new seller accounts on Kleinanzeigen).
Plan transport for heavy items (van rental like Miles or local movers).
Install light fixtures (many rentals come without):
- Hire help via TaskRabbit or Co-Tasker if you don’t want DIY.

8) Notify everyone (not automatic)

Change your address everywhere (bank, employer, insurance, health insurance, subscriptions, doctors, etc.).
(Registering your address does not reliably update everyone.)

9) Protect yourself as a tenant (strongly recommended for expats)

Consider joining a tenants’ association in Aachen for legal advice + support (and help with disputes / rent topics).
Get liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) (strongly recommended)
- If furnished rental: ensure it covers rented/borrowed items.
- Feather (English-language, digital-first)
- Tarifcheck (broad comparison of German providers)
- Cost: Usually around €3–€6/month
Optional: household insurance (Hausratversicherung) for your own belongings.

While not legally mandatory, liability insurance is highly recommended in Germany, and many landlords expect it. It covers damage you might accidentally cause to other people’s property (e.g., flooding your downstairs neighbor’s apartment).

10) Aachen life essentials (waste + quiet hours)

Learn Aachen’s waste system & pickup days using the city’s Abfallkalender / Abfallnavi (you can generate schedules for your exact address).
Respect quiet hours (NRW “Nachtruhe” is typically protected 22:00–06:00).
Expect hard water (plan descaling / filters if you care).
Ventilate regularly (Stoßlüften) to prevent mold.
Understand heating controls (radiators / thermostat) and basic upkeep (bleeding radiators if needed).

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