Seven questions to ask about staff accommodation

“Accommodation available” is not a complete housing agreement. Before accepting a seasonal job, ask for details in writing and include the cost in your take-home-pay estimate.

1. What is the full monthly cost?

Ask whether rent includes electricity, heating, internet, bedding, cleaning and meals. Confirm the deposit, when it is returned, and which deductions could be made. A low headline rent can change once several charges are added.

2. Where is it?

Request the exact address or at least the travel time to the workplace. For split shifts, a room on an infrequent bus route can make the working day much longer. Ask whether staff transport exists after late service.

3. Is the room private?

Clarify bedroom occupancy, shared bathroom and kitchen arrangements, and whether room allocation can change during the season. “Staff room” can describe very different setups.

4. Who is the landlord?

Find out whether housing is part of the employment contract, a separate agreement with the hotel, or rented by another provider. Ask who handles repairs and holds the deposit.

5. What happens when the job ends?

The employment end date and move-out date may be linked. Check the notice period, especially during probation or if either side ends the job early. Ask how much time you would have to collect belongings and arrange travel.

6. Can you register the address?

People moving into German accommodation generally need landlord confirmation for local address registration. Ask whether the provider issues the required Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and when.

7. Are there house rules?

Request important rules before arrival: visitors, quiet hours, smoking, pets, shared cleaning, keys and laundry. Knowing them now is easier than negotiating after a long journey.

Keep the employer’s answers with the offer. Where a promise affects your decision, ask for it to be included in the contract or a clear written accommodation document.