German Apartments Come With Basements?

For someone who's a first time renter in Germany, it might surprise you to know that a majority of German apartments include basement storage in the lease, often including a communal laundry/drier room and bike storage room as well. While there is no legal guarantee to be granted access to basement storage when you rent an apartment, it is a common practice.

As most Germans live in multi-family rented housing, storing winter coats or old files isn't as simple as parking them in an attic, as a typical American family in their own house might. In German apartment/condominium housing you will often encounter a large basement floor that has been sectioned into smaller rooms or metal "cages" which can be securely locked. This is where Germans store everything from seasonal clothing, pantry supplies, workshop supplies to - of course - beer. It is not advisable however to store anything of great value here, since break-ins do occur.

If you are on the hunt for an apartment, look out for "Nutzung von Kellerabteil". The storage space available to you must be specified in the rental contract in order to guarantee your use of it.  Oh, and you'll have to remember to get a lock!

How Much Beer Do You Think You Could Fit In A Basement Cage?