What is an \"Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung\"? (Initial reception facility)

When refugees come to Bremerhaven, they initially live in a so-called initial reception facility. This is their home for the first few months. In Bremerhaven, for example, there is a reception center in the Integration Center. \n

Where can I find accommodation adverts?

In supermarkets you can often find a “Schwarzes Brett”. That is a wall, where people pin their adverts for rooms or flats that are for rent. Everybody can pin adverts and notes there. \n We recommend that you contact housing associations such as STÄWOG or WoGe . \n Moreover accommodation adverts can be found in the newspaper or online on websites such as bremen.de ,” Immobilienscout24 “,” Immowelt ” or “ Immonet “. \n

What do I need to keep in mind when looking for a flat?

Before looking for a flat, you should ask concrete information about the permitted size and costs for your flat. \n When you will have found a flat, the “Sozialamt” (institution for social services) will pay a part of the rent as well as the “Kaution” (deposit), companionship fees, heating costs and running costs.\nTo get that financial aid you need to make a request at the “Jobcenter” or the Sozialamt. \n

What does \"Kaution\" (deposit) mean?

The “Kaution” is a financial insurance for the flat owner, that you have to pay when moving in a new flat.\nYou will be paid back this amount of “Kaution” when moving out of the flat and the flat is in a good state. Normally the Kaution will be the amount of two or three monthly rents. \n Refugees usually do not have to pay a Kaution. \n

What do I need to keep in mind concerning the rental agreement?

Read the rental agreement carefully.\nIf you have any problems or questions you should address yourself to a Beratungsstelle . \n

What is a \"Hausordnung\" (house rules)?

Almost every house has a so-called “Hausrdnung”, that you agree to when signing your rental agreement.\nThe Hausordnung consists of different rules for the living together of all occupants.\nThese rules may vary depending on the house you live in but in general you have to respect sleep from 10 pm to 6 am. \n

What do I have to keep in mind when moving?

When you found a new flat and have a personal adress, you have two weeks time to inform the appropriate Meldebehörde (registry office) in your commune. Ask the flat owner to give you the written confirmation that you will need for the registry office. \n

What do I need to be aware of in my new apartment?

Air your apartment regularly. It is best to open all windows twice a day for five minutes (“Schocklüften”). This will regulate the humidity in your home and prevent mold from forming. Important: Do not dry your laundry in the apartment, but ask your landlord if there is a separate room in the house for this purpose. \n The BBU has summarized further advice on housing in the “Housing Guide for Refugees” in various languages. \n Translated with www.DeepL.com\/Translator (free version) \n

Accommodation

When you arrive in Bremen/Bremerhaven as a refugee, during your first months you can find accommodation in a “Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung” ( …).
Later you will have the opportunity to look for a flat. Therefore a list of different institutions will help you during your searching process and may give you further information concerning accommodation in Bremerhaven.

In some cases you may also ask financial support to pay your rent. You can find more information about financial support in the category “Finanzen“.

In supermarkets you can often find a “Schwarzes Brett”. That is a wall, where people pin their adverts for rooms or flats that are for rent. Everybody can pin adverts and notes there.

We recommend that you contact housing associations such as STÄWOG or WoGe.

Moreover accommodation adverts can be found in the newspaper or online on websites such as bremen.de,”Immobilienscout24“,”Immowelt” or “Immonet“.
Before looking for a flat, you should ask concrete information about the permitted size and costs for your flat.

When you will have found a flat, the “Sozialamt” (institution for social services) will pay a part of the rent as well as the “Kaution” (deposit), companionship fees, heating costs and running costs.
To get that financial aid you need to make a request at the “Jobcenter” or the Sozialamt.
Air your apartment regularly. It is best to open all windows twice a day for five minutes (“Schocklüften”). This will regulate the humidity in your home and prevent mold from forming. Important: Do not dry your laundry in the apartment, but ask your landlord if there is a separate room in the house for this purpose.

The BBU has summarized further advice on housing in the “Housing Guide for Refugees” in various languages.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)