Nuremberg

1. Overview of Shared Housing in Nuremberg

Shared housing (WG) involves renting a room in an apartment or house shared with other tenants. This is a common choice for students, young professionals, and newcomers to the city due to its affordability and social benefits. In a WG, tenants typically share common spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, while having their own private bedroom.

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2. Costs of Shared Housing in Nuremberg

The cost of shared housing in Nuremberg depends on factors such as location, size of the room, and amenities provided. Here’s a breakdown:

• Average Monthly Rent:
  • Small room in a WG: €300–€450
  • Larger room or centrally located WG: €450–€600
• Utilities (Nebenkosten):
  • Utilities (electricity, water, heating, internet) are often included in the rent but may be charged separately. Expect an additional €50–€100 per month if not included.
• Deposit (Kaution):
  • Typically 2–3 months' rent, refundable at the end of the lease if no damages occur.

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3. How to Find Shared Housing in Nuremberg

Finding shared housing in Nuremberg can be competitive, especially for students and during peak moving seasons (e.g., September/October and March/April). Here are the best ways to search:

Online Platforms

• WG-Gesucht (www.wg-gesucht.de): The most popular platform for finding shared housing in Germany. Listings are updated frequently, and you can filter by location, price, and preferences.
• Immobilienscout24 (www.immobilienscout24.de): A general housing platform that also lists shared housing options.
• eBay Kleinanzeigen (www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de): A classifieds website where you can find WG listings under the "Immobilien" section.
• Facebook Groups: Search for groups like "WG Zimmer Nürnberg" or "Wohnungen & WGs in Nürnberg" for local listings.

University Housing Boards

If you are a student, check the housing boards or websites of local universities like Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU). They often have WG listings or resources for student housing.

Local Notice Boards

Cafes, libraries, and community centers in Nuremberg sometimes have notice boards with WG advertisements.

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4. Application Process for Shared Housing

The application process for a WG in Nuremberg can be competitive, so it’s important to prepare in advance. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Respond to Listings

• Write a polite and concise message introducing yourself. Include:
  • Your name, age, and occupation (e.g., student, professional).
  • Why you are moving to Nuremberg.
  • Your hobbies and interests (to show compatibility with other tenants).
  • Your preferred move-in date and duration of stay.

Step 2: Attend a WG-Casting

• A "WG-Casting" is an informal interview where current tenants meet potential roommates. Be prepared to:
  • Answer questions about your lifestyle, habits, and preferences.
  • Ask questions about the WG’s rules, shared responsibilities, and atmosphere.
  • Show that you are friendly, responsible, and easy to live with.

Step 3: Provide Documentation

If selected, you may need to provide the following:

• Proof of income (e.g., employment contract, bank statements, or a guarantor’s letter if you are a student).
• Copy of your ID or passport.
• Schufa report (credit check) – not always required for WGs but common for formal leases.

Step 4: Sign the Rental Agreement

• Ensure you understand the terms of the lease, including rent, deposit, and notice period (usually 3 months in Germany).

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5. Cultural and Legal Considerations

Cultural Aspects

• Shared Responsibilities: In most WGs, tenants share cleaning duties for common areas. Some WGs have a cleaning schedule or rotate tasks.
• Social Dynamics: Some WGs are more social, with roommates spending time together, while others prefer a quieter, independent atmosphere. Clarify expectations during the WG-Casting.
• Smoking and Pets: These are important topics to discuss upfront, as some WGs have strict rules about smoking or allowing pets.

Legal Considerations

• Rental Agreement: Always sign a written rental agreement (Mietvertrag) to avoid misunderstandings. Ensure it specifies the rent, deposit, and notice period.
• Deposit (Kaution): Landlords are legally required to keep your deposit in a separate account and return it (minus any damages) within a reasonable time after you move out.
• Subletting: If you are subletting a room, ensure the main tenant has permission from the landlord. Illegal subletting can lead to eviction.
• Registration (Anmeldung): You are required to register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Bürgeramt (citizen’s office) within 14 days of moving in. You will need a confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from your landlord or main tenant.

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6. Local Factors Specific to Nuremberg

• Proximity to Public Transport: Nuremberg has an excellent public transport system (U-Bahn, trams, and buses). WGs near U-Bahn stations like Plärrer, Hauptbahnhof, or Friedrich-Ebert-Platz are highly sought after.
• Student-Friendly Areas: Popular neighborhoods for students and young professionals include Gostenhof (trendy and artsy), St. Johannis (quiet and green), and Maxfeld (close to the city center and parks).
• Seasonal Demand: Housing demand peaks at the start of the academic year (September/October). Start your search early to secure a room.
• Cultural Events: Nuremberg hosts many cultural events, such as the famous Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market). Be aware that housing near the city center may be more expensive during these times.

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7. Tips for Success

• Act Quickly: Good WG rooms are rented out quickly. Respond to listings as soon as possible.
• Be Flexible: If you’re open to different neighborhoods or room sizes, you’ll have more options.
• Network Locally: Attend meetups or events in Nuremberg to meet people who might know of available rooms.
• Learn Basic German: While many people in Nuremberg speak English, knowing some German can help you communicate with potential roommates and landlords.

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By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to find and secure shared housing in Nuremberg. If you have any further questions or need assistance with specific steps, feel free to ask!