Moving to Germany may be very different than in your previous assignment. Therefore, it is highly advisable that you look over the housing articles at HowToGermany and AngloInfo. The GermanWay also explains some differences in heating systems, kitchens, washing and drying clothes, etc. that are important to know before coming.

The city of Bonn also has information on current rates and fees for agents and deposits in the Bonn area.

Local listings can be found through an agent if you want to pay the agent fees (usually 2 months rent). Many properties are also listed online at Kalaydo and Immobilien Scout. These sites will be all in German so the housing articles above can help you navigate the sites. If you can navigate the German, Immobilien Scout offers a ton of helpful services and tips for moving (comparing prices in different neighborhoods, box calculators, service to cancel contracts and get moving bids, etc)

Important Housing Information

The deposit (“Kaution”), usually equal to the price of 2 months rent and one month in advance, is expected at the outset. Furthermore, if you find your accommodation via a real estate agent (Makler), then he/she will expect to be paid up to 2 months rent for this service.
It is common that the apartment/ house is painted at the end (or sometimes the beginning) of the lease at the tenant’s own expense. Always ensure that a very precise inventory of fixtures is carried out before you move in.
It is common in Germany to take out long leases; 2 to 5 years. If you can, make sure you take an indeterminate length lease with a reasonable notice period (usually 3 months). If you possess a pet, do not forget to advise your landlord.
Most German apartments/houses are unfurnished which means not all accommodation comes with a fully–fitted kitchen, (kitchen cabinets, stoves etc.) light fittings, curtains or poles and carpets. (Watch out for additional expenses and time to get everything installed).
Kitchens, bathrooms and hallways are not counted in the number of rooms, so a two-bedroom apartment with living and dining room, for example, is called a four-room (“4-Zimmer”) apartment. Electric cooking is widespread. Electricity voltage in Germany is 220 volts.
All properties are advertised quoting the living area in square metres and number of rooms. A family house would be an average of 160–180 m2 (approx. 1,600 to 1,800 ft2). The rent is based on basic rent (“kalt”) + service/house charges (“Nebenkosten”). The total rent is called “Warm”. “Nebenkosten” charges are for utilities such as refuse collection, building insurance, sewerage, street cleaning, land tax etc. They are added to the rent as a fixed monthly rate and at the end of the year there is an adjustment between the payments made and the actual cost of the services. Charges for heating, electricity and water are usually paid directly by the tenant to the relevant authority.

Neighborhoods

If you will have children at one of these schools, you will find it highly advantageous to live near the school or other families attending the school.