Dormitory or WG: What's Actually Cheaper in Berlin

If you're a student looking for housing in Berlin, agent commission is less often a concern than people assume: since 2015, the Bestellerprinzip has meant the landlord generally pays the agent. The real decision is usually different: dormitory, WG, or your own apartment?

What does a dormitory room cost?

A room through studierendenWERK BERLIN can start around €350 a month, utilities included. Demand is correspondingly high, and waiting times of one or more semesters are common. Dormitories let directly, so no agent commission applies.

What does a private one-room apartment cost?

A private one-room apartment in Berlin often costs over €1,000 in cold rent, depending on location. If it's listed by an agent acting for the landlord, the standard case for ordinary listings, the landlord pays the commission under Section 2(1a) of the Wohnungsvermittlungsgesetz, not the tenant.

Where do most students live in Berlin?

Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Neukölln are traditionally popular for their proximity to universities and urban character, and demand there is correspondingly high. If you're willing to live a bit further out, you'll often find cheaper listings in districts like Spandau or Lichtenberg, usually with good U-Bahn or S-Bahn connections.

How do you spot a dubious listing?

Be cautious if money is requested before a viewing, or if an alleged agent commission is demanded directly from you as the tenant even though the agent is clearly listing on the landlord's behalf. In that case, check whether the commission is even lawful before paying anything.

Bottom line

For students in Berlin, agent commission is mostly a non-issue thanks to the Bestellerprinzip. The bigger trade-off is between price, waiting time, and location: dormitory, WG, or your own apartment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students in Berlin normally pay agent commission?

No, since under the Bestellerprinzip the landlord generally pays the agent when the agent is acting on the landlord's behalf.

Which is cheaper, a dormitory or a private apartment?

Usually the dormitory, though spots are limited and waiting times can be long.

Which districts are cheaper than Kreuzberg or Neukölln for students?

Districts a bit further out, like Spandau or Lichtenberg, often have lower rents with good transport links.

What if an agent still demands money from me as the tenant?

Check whether the agent is acting for the landlord or for you. In the first case, a commission demand directed at you is generally unlawful.

For how the Bestellerprinzip works in detail, see Null Provision Rentals: Find No-Fee Apartments Fast. For WG-specific tips, see Discover No-Commission Apartments in Berlin for Students. Find listings through Waitly.