28 Questions from a prospective Munich Tenant

1) In which way will the flat be furnished?
Munich has seen a big improvement in style and level of interior.  Where about 10 years ago, “some furniture” was considered to be alright, nowadays nearly all apartments are offering standard things like a hardwood floor or new carpet, a microwave always in addition to the kitchen furniture, most of times an own washing machine or communal washing machine. Furniture is always in good condition, sometimes new, but always well maintained.  International Cable TV programmes can be arranged at separate cost.  Internet access not a problem. The saying of “you only need to bring your toothbrush” certainly applies to the majority of Munich offers.  Landlords who are offering furnished accommodation in Munich know the requirements of the tenants very well.

2) What does “incl rental price” mean?
It means you do not need to worry about anything else than the monthly rent.  Most times electricity is also included in the rental price.  However, please try to be economical and use the resources like heating and electricity at no different as you would being at your own home.

3) Do I have to pay extra bills?
Only for phone and Internet connection. In rare cases electricity will be separate and as regards big houses, there will be additional utilities cost.

4) How much will the deposit be?
German rental law allows between 1-3 months deposit to be charged.  Majority of my contacts charge between 1-2 months.  1.5 is always a good compromise.

5) Do I have to rush my decision on an offer?
Well, in IT boom days you were lucky to find a good offer matching your requirement.  Now it looks different. However, if a good place with pleasant equipment, furniture, good price and location is at your disposal you should not wait one more day…. We have seen cases where landlords do not wait, in actuality it still goes “first come first served” and the agent has limited influence on the owner’s way of handling this.

6) Why are some flats so expensive?
Munich has the highest estate price in Germany.  Acquisition of a flat or house does cost. To have return of investment, the Munich Landlord certainly needs to charge a higher rent in order to at least break - more so than anywhere else in Germany.

7) Can you lower the rental price for me?
In most cases there is some room for negotiation, however there are limits to what one could ask for.  Good places still cost and their owners do not see a reason to drop prices unnecessarily.  As always we try to do the best for you, representing you but in general terms having to be fair to both sides.

8) Is there a time of year when it is difficult renting?
Well, we will see what will happen during the World Cup 2006, no-one knows yet.  For certain the hotels are already counting their money and FIFA is domineering Munich in not such a nice way….
Always watch out during BAUMA, which is the biggest Building Trade Fair in the world, The Oktoberfest, The Systems and Electronica which are well noted Trade Fairs.  In all honesty Munich is hosting a lot less Trade Fairs then lets say Hanover or Frankfurt.

9) A hotel does not require so much cash flow and I get my breakfast….
Point taken.  However you are left with a room as big your balcony is in your new flat and most of times can “hardly swing a cat” in your room (British saying).  Having your own place makes you feel at home!

10) Are furnished apartments cheaper on the outskirts?
The offers on the very outskirts of town are a lot less and not that much cheaper.  If you take into account the longer way of travel and less attractiveness of those suburbs you realise you are better of in the popular districts, Schwabing, Giesing, Lehel, Isartor, Glockenbachviertel.  Places like Pasing and Lochham are however underrated since they offer high freeetime value with the lakes and mountains being on their south-western doorstep.  Solln is always worth looking at if you are searching for a big house.

11) Everybody talks about “hot spots” like Maxvorstadt, what is the story behind it?
I personally do not see the attraction of Maxvorstadt.  It is offering new museums and a wide selection of expensive restaurants.  Areas like Haidhausen and Schwabing-West, Neuhausen don´t need to be shy to be compared with. It depends really on the personality of the tenant.  Always try to make up your own mind and do not listen to all those advisors ie. Travel books and that “colleague”.
Try to use public transport and your feet to get to know all the areas.  It is a learning and orientation process which only you can experience.

12) Which areas of Munich do you advise?
Any area I have mentioned so far is a good area. Sendling is not so much sought after but then again you can get a very good deal on prices there…. It used to be the classic environment of SIEMENS for all their employees.

13) Is Munich safe?
Short answer for you here: YES.

14) Is Munich international?
See the international bookshops, the wide range of newspapers you are getting at newsagents AND the fantastic mix of ethnic cooking.  Ask for our tip of the month on restaurants.

15) Do landlords speak English?  How about the man on the street?
Yes, indeed. Nearly everybody in Munich speaks English and is keen and proud to practise.  Can be disheartening if you have just come from your German Classes to find that the waiter greets you with an international “What will you order Sir”, since you just got ready for a German meal order.

 16) How do you get new accommodation offers?  I suppose this must be easy?
Yes and no.  Landlords in Munich are being followed by lots of accommodation agencies, house hunters, people who know someone who know someone.  We have long established links with most of our contacts which gives you a good offer in return.

17) How much notice do I have to give to terminate the rental?
In most cases 4 weeks notice to the month end is sufficient.  This is in contrary to the rental of an unfurnished home in Munich where the notice period of 3 months to month end applies.

 18) When will I get my deposit back?
In some cases you will get it back at the handover, in some cases half of it is paid in cash and the other half will be transferred to your nominated bank account.

19)  What justifies your commission rates? 
I have just finished compiling and updating the new URL site, placed about 20 very expensive accommodation search ads and PR campaigns for you and me in the local paper this year, paid my IT URL specialist to upgrade my google ranking, paid my electricity and overheads for my office and will do my tax form now.
Any more questions?

20) Will you look at my requirement if it is only for 1 month?
Absolutely!  We strive to accommodate and satisfy every customer regardless the budget or size he is looking for.  A small requirement can easily turn into something comprehensive.  If it does not we will not falter in our services though. Every customer counts equal.

21) Are you looking for continuity of business or what is your line?
Absolutely!  We are working in a very thorough and diligent way from the moment you contact us to the moment you are receiving the rental contract.

22) What is the advantage of using your accommodation agency in Munich?  I suppose I can just as easy get “something” out from the local newspaper?
People only realise that she should have taken experts advice when it is too late.  There are always stories about deposits not being paid back or arguments about maintenance, wear and tear, etc.  Ask a specialist for accommodation in Munich and they will guide you along.  Better be safe in the beginning than sorry at the end.  Elisabeth Frey wants you to enjoy your stay from beginning to end and to return with good memories. Our database consists of well established and proven links with loyal and trustworthy landlords which is also a comfort for you.

23 )In which way are you acting as service provider?
Relocation Liz Frey is acting in a dual way, a) to you as tenant, b) to the landlord. She visits the furnished properties in Munich personally, identifies the product on offer thoroughly, takes photos and puts them onto the Web.  It is all in one, capable and very professional hand.  She can advise you without doubt on the best solution for you personally and will coordinate for you viewings, rental contracts and anything else around the topic Relocation to Munich.

24) What does Munich offer as regards outdoor activities?
Lakes, Mountains, Olympic Park, Football, Cricket, Rollerblading events, Ice Skating, Museums…
Ask us for our personal tips.  Let us know if you come across anything very positive or negative so that we can keep up to date with your experiences as well.

25) Can you help me on information regarding the whole scenario of moving to Munich? Things like International Schools, Kindergardens, Opening a Bank account? Referring a good tax advisor?
No worries and yes indeed.  Only difference we do not charge for those tips and do not sell them in form of those packages.  In other words we are modest in charges and comprehensive in knowledge.

26) Do you have any links to an IT Agency in Munich should I need to change jobs?
Yes, indeed.  We have a good rapport with some international IT Agencies.

27) Have you ever lived abroad?
I have lived and travelled extensively in the US and UK and know how it feels to arrive at the airport with only a work and accommodation address in hand.

28) Do you like your job?
Yes, indeed!  The position is very varied, interesting, offers a lot of scope and challenge and a wide variety of different mentalities.  You never know who is next to contact you!  Could be you!

Contact us – we get you settled

Liz Frey & Company

Agency for Furnished Accommodation
Wiesengrund 20
81243 Munich
Tel. 089 – 82 98 89 30
www.lizfrey-relocation.com
liz.frey@lizfrey-relocation.com