Question 1

General questions: What is FARAWAYHOME?

Accepted Answer

FARAWAYHOME is a curated platform for premium and luxury furnished apartments and serviced apartments in Germany's major cities — Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Leipzig and Stuttgart — as well as London.

We don't list holiday rentals or short-term lets — we offer apartments you can make your home. Every property and every provider on FARAWAYHOME is verified. Our team is your personal point of contact throughout the entire rental process.

Question 2

General questions: Is FARAWAYHOME free for tenants?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our service is completely free for tenants — no commission, no hidden fees. You simply pay the monthly rent directly to the landlord as stated on the listing.

Question 3

General questions: How does the rental process work?

Accepted Answer

1. Find your apartment on FARAWAYHOME
2. Submit an inquiry via the listing page
3. Verify your identity and upload the required documents
4. Once the landlord confirms availability, review and sign the rental contract
5. Transfer the first month's rent and deposit
6. Receive the keys and move in

The entire process can be completed online — you don't need to be on site.

Question 4

General questions: Are utilities included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All rents on FARAWAYHOME are all-inclusive — electricity, water, heating, internet and all other ancillary costs are covered. This keeps things simple and predictable for you.

The only additional cost is a final cleaning fee after your departure, charged based on the actual effort required. Optional extras like a parking space or regular cleaning can be booked separately if available.

Question 5

General questions: What is the minimum rental period?

Accepted Answer

For most furnished apartments the minimum rental period is 3 months. However, serviced apartments are available from as little as 1 night.

You'll find the minimum rental period on each listing page. Tip: use the date filter in your search and you'll only see apartments that match your desired rental period.

Question 6

General questions: Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

No. You can browse all apartments and submit inquiries without creating an account. Simply send an inquiry through the listing page, complete the verification process, and your request will be forwarded to the landlord.

Question 7

Why rent with FARAWAYHOME?: What are the advantages of renting through FARAWAYHOME?

Accepted Answer

FARAWAYHOME is one of the leading platforms for premium furnished apartments in Germany. Here's what you get:

1. Verified apartments and providers — every property and every provider is checked before going live
2. Rigorous tenant verification creates a trusted environment for both sides
3. Rent online without needing to visit in person — or schedule an optional viewing
4. Legally reviewed, fair rental contracts
5. A dedicated personal contact for the entire process
6. The largest curated selection of luxury and premium furnished apartments across Germany

Questions? Reach us at welcome@farawayhome.com or +49 30 120 640 86.

Question 8

Finding an apartment: How do I find the right apartment?

Accepted Answer

Use the search on our homepage at farawayhome.com. Select your city and district, set your move-in and move-out dates, and choose the number of bedrooms.

After searching, refine your results with additional filters — size, number of rooms, amenities and rent. Use the sort function to order results by price, size, availability or newest first.

Can't find the right fit? Contact us at welcome@farawayhome.com and we'll help you personally.

Question 9

Finding an apartment: What does "fully furnished" mean on FARAWAYHOME?

Accepted Answer

Every apartment on FARAWAYHOME is move-in ready. This typically includes: a fully equipped kitchen with dishes, cutlery and standard appliances, bed linen and towels, washing machine, TV, Wi-Fi and a workspace.

Since we focus on the premium and luxury segment, our apartments go well beyond the market standard in quality and furnishing. You'll find the exact amenities listed on each apartment's detail page.

Question 10

Finding an apartment: Can I get notified about new apartments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Set up a saved search alert and you'll receive an email whenever a new apartment matching your criteria is listed. You can adjust or cancel these notifications at any time via the link in the email.

Question 11

Finding an apartment: Can I save or share apartment listings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On any listing page you can send the apartment to your own email or share it with someone else. You can also download a PDF exposé to save, print or forward. Every apartment has a unique listing ID you can use to find it again quickly via the search bar.

Question 12

Booking an apartment: How do I submit a rental inquiry?

Accepted Answer

Click the inquiry button on the listing page and fill in your details. You'll then complete a one-time identity verification. Once verified, your inquiry is forwarded to the landlord.

If the landlord accepts, you'll be asked to upload the remaining documents needed for the rental contract. If the landlord declines, we'll suggest alternative apartments that match your criteria.

Question 13

Booking an apartment: How do I request a viewing?

Accepted Answer

You can request a viewing directly from the listing page. We'll coordinate a convenient time with the landlord — viewings can be conducted by the landlord, by our team on their behalf, or jointly.

Question 14

Booking an apartment: I've viewed an apartment and want to rent it — what's next?

Accepted Answer

After your viewing you'll receive a follow-up email. Click to confirm your interest and we'll initiate the contract process — document upload, contract review and signing, all handled digitally.

Question 15

Booking an apartment: Can I cancel or move out early?

Accepted Answer

Before signing the contract, you can withdraw your inquiry at any time free of charge.

After signing, there is no statutory right of cancellation or termination for furnished temporary apartments. The rental contract is binding for the agreed period.

If your situation changes, contact us as early as possible — FARAWAYHOME will help you find a solution together with the landlord.

Question 16

Booking an apartment: How does the key handover work?

Accepted Answer

The key handover normally takes place on the contractual move-in date. You'll agree on the exact time directly with the landlord. A handover protocol documenting the apartment's condition and inventory is prepared and signed by both parties.

Question 17

Booking an apartment: What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

To verify your identity and creditworthiness we require:

1. A copy of your passport or ID card (front and back)
2. Your last 3 payslips, or an equivalent proof of income (bank statement, employment contract, letter from your accountant, or similar)

Question 18

During your rental: Who do I contact during my rental?

Accepted Answer

For questions about the apartment itself — furnishings, appliances, maintenance — the landlord is your direct contact. You'll find their details in the rental contract.

For anything related to the contract, rental extensions or general questions, contact FARAWAYHOME at welcome@farawayhome.com or +49 30 120 640 86.

Question 19

During your rental: What if something breaks or gets damaged?

Accepted Answer

Please document any damage with photos and report it to both the landlord and FARAWAYHOME. Since we require all tenants to have liability insurance, most damage is covered. If not, repair or replacement costs will be deducted from your deposit after mutual agreement.

Question 20

During your rental: Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the individual apartment. Pet policies are set by the landlord and indicated on the listing page. Use the search filter to show only pet-friendly apartments.

If a listing doesn't specify, just ask us — we'll clarify with the landlord on your behalf.

Question 21

During your rental: Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FARAWAYHOME requires all tenants to have personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). This covers accidental damage you may cause in the apartment.

Contents insurance for your own belongings is optional but recommended. If you don't have liability insurance yet, you can easily get it online in Germany.

Question 22

During your rental: Can I extend my rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You'll receive an email 2 months before your move-out date asking if you'd like to extend. If you already know earlier that you want to stay longer, let us know as soon as possible at welcome@farawayhome.com so we can coordinate with the landlord.

Question 23

During your rental: Can I sublet the apartment?

Accepted Answer

No. Subletting is not permitted on FARAWAYHOME. The apartments on our platform are intended to be lived in by you personally — not re-let to others. FARAWAYHOME is not a short-term rental or holiday apartment platform.

Question 24

Deposit and payments: Do I have to pay a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The deposit is typically 1 to 3 months' rent and serves as security for the landlord. The exact amount is shown on each listing page. After your rental ends, the deposit is returned within 6 weeks, minus any costs for damages.

Question 25

Deposit and payments: When is the deposit due?

Accepted Answer

The deposit and the first month's rent are due after signing the contract and before move-in. The deposit must be received by the landlord before the key handover. After the rental period, it's returned to your account within 6 weeks.

Question 26

Deposit and payments: Can I get an invoice?

Accepted Answer

The rental contract contains all cost details and serves as your receipt for your records or your employer. For serviced apartments specifically, you'll receive a formal invoice including VAT.

Question 27

Deposit and payments: What's expected for the move-out cleaning?

Accepted Answer

You're expected to leave the apartment in a broom-clean condition — meaning: personal items removed, no major dirt or mess, kitchen and bathroom left clean. A professional final cleaning is then carried out separately and charged based on the actual effort.

The exact expectations and costs are outlined in the rental contract. The better the condition at move-out, the lower the cleaning costs.

Question 28

For expats & newcomers: Can I register my address (Anmeldung) at the apartment?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Most landlords on FARAWAYHOME provide a confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), which you need to register your address at the local residents' registration office. This document is legally required and must be provided within two weeks of your move-in.

Address registration (Anmeldung) is mandatory and must be completed within 14 days of moving in. It's free of charge and done at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office) in your district.

Question 29

For expats & newcomers: Do I need a SCHUFA credit report?

Accepted Answer

No. FARAWAYHOME does not require a SCHUFA credit report. We verify your creditworthiness using your income documentation (payslips, employment contract, or similar).

This is particularly advantageous for international tenants who are new to Germany and don't yet have a SCHUFA record.

Question 30

For expats & newcomers: Is the rental contract available in English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our rental contracts are bilingual (German and English). The German version is legally binding; the English version serves as a reference.

This is especially helpful for international tenants who are not yet familiar with German rental law.

Question 31

Additional questions: What is FARAWAYHOME OS?

Accepted Answer

FARAWAYHOME OS is your free dashboard at app.farawayhome.com. There you can track the status of your inquiries in real time, manage saved searches with notifications, communicate directly with landlords, securely upload documents, and keep track of bookings and appointments — all in one place.

You can sign up for free at any time at app.farawayhome.com/account/signup.

Question 32

Safety and security: What if someone asks me to transact outside of FARAWAYHOME?

Accepted Answer

Never pay money or sign a contract outside of the FARAWAYHOME system. We cannot guarantee our services or security for transactions conducted outside our platform.

Be especially wary of requests to transfer money via services like Western Union or MoneyGram — these are commonly used by fraudsters. If anyone asks you to bypass FARAWAYHOME, contact us immediately at welcome@farawayhome.com or +49 30 120 640 86.

Question 33

Safety and security: How do I pay the rent?

Accepted Answer

You transfer the rent monthly via bank transfer directly to the landlord. You'll receive the landlord's bank details together with the signed rental contract.

Question 34

Safety and security: What makes FARAWAYHOME secure?

Accepted Answer

1. Every apartment and every provider is verified before going live
2. All landlords and providers are fully identified with sufficient data for legal verification
3. Rigorous tenant verification with identity and credit checks
4. Rental contracts are legally reviewed and fair for both sides
5. A dedicated, experienced personal contact supports you throughout

These standards have kept FARAWAYHOME 100% fraud-free since our founding in 2012.

Serviced Apartments in Berlin