Are you applying for every apartment but usually not even getting a reply? Then you're in the same boat as almost every apartment hunter in Germany. The rental market has become completely detached from reason.
So what can you do? Have you ever thought about writing a wanted ad? An apartment wanted ad can work real wonders.
Let's compare it to something else in life: anyone looking for a job can apply for lots of positions. But here too the competition is often fierce. That's why networking is so important. Those who use their contacts can often apply for a position before it has even been advertised.
An apartment wanted ad works in a similar way. Do you really think landlords enjoy going through hundreds of applications? No - the reality is that many landlords, especially private ones, prefer to pick out 2-3 candidates in advance and invite them to a viewing. Don't believe it? Just recently, Malik wrote to us via Instagram about how he found an apartment in Hamburg through exactly this kind of wanted ad.
So let's quickly go through what does and doesn't belong in your apartment wanted ad. We'll also look at which platforms you should publish it on and provide you with a template for the perfect wanted ad to adapt.
How to structure your apartment wanted ad
The right structure for your apartment wanted ad can make all the difference. To stand out from the crowd for potential landlords, you need to be precise and to the point.
Photo - A professional and likeable picture of you or your household is worth its weight in gold. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Ad title - Give your wanted ad a compelling title that ideally already contains the key facts.
Information and facts about you – Landlords want to know who they're dealing with. So provide information about yourself, your profession and your income. Don't forget to mention who else will be moving in. It's important to be likeable. So write politely, but not in a "lawyer-like" way. Landlords are only human too - and they appreciate humour.
What you're looking for – State what you want: the number of rooms, the district, and perhaps also specific requirements such as good public transport links. Be quite specific here.
Why are you the ideal tenant? – You don't have any pets? Don't play a musical instrument? Then mention it. Conversely, you should also mention it if you own, say, a dog or a cat. Do you have references or a proof of rent payment from previous landlords? That builds trust and sets you apart from the crowd.
Contact options and flexibility – Be reachable. That's the most important thing. Also state how flexible you are regarding viewing appointments. Landlords prefer flexible tenants. And of course, your contact details.
Where should you publish your wanted ad?
Short answer: everywhere.
There are loads of platforms, both online and offline, where you can publish your ad.
Online, Kleinanzeigen and WG-Gesucht are particularly well suited (yes, you can find apartments there too, not just rooms). You should also post your apartment wanted ad in your city's local Facebook groups or on your Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn (whichever social media you use). Do you have your own website? Put it up there.
Older landlords in particular, though, aren't all that active online. So try the "real world" too - wanted ads in the city's own newspaper aren't expensive and are definitely worth a shot. Putting up printed flyers of your apartment wanted ad on lamp posts or at the supermarket can also lead to success - especially when someone happens to be looking for a successor tenant.
Template for your perfect apartment wanted ad
So that you can make your ad as convincing as possible, here's a template for you. You can easily adapt it to your apartment search. Feel free to add a few humorous sentences that match your character:
[Job title] seeks X-room apartment in [City], up to €XXXX rent incl. charges:
Hello, my name is [Your name] and I'm looking for an apartment in [City].
About me:
I ([age] years old) am a [profession] and work at [company]. As a working single / couple / family (whichever applies), I have a regular income of [monthly net income]. I place great value on a quiet living environment and always keep a tidy home.
What I'm looking for:
I'm looking for a [number of rooms]-room apartment in [district or borough] or the surrounding area. It's important to me that the apartment has [special requirements such as a balcony, garden, good public transport links, etc.].
Why I'm the ideal tenant:
I'm a reliable tenant who always pays the rent on time and places great value on good relations with the neighbours. In my previous apartment, I always made sure to follow the house rules and create a pleasant environment. I have no pets and I don't play any musical instruments. I'd be happy to provide you with a reference and a proof of rent payment from my former landlord.
Contact:
I look forward to hearing from you and am flexible for viewings from [date].
You can reach me at [phone number] or [email address].
Thank you for your attention!
Kind regards,
[Your name]
The apartment wanted ad as a strategic advantage
As an apartment hunter these days, you have to stand out from the crowd. A wanted ad is an inexpensive way to approach landlords directly and win them over.
Seize this opportunity. Be proactive and put yourself in landlords' sights. Finding an apartment in the big-city jungle - you can pull it off too.