Finding accommodation in Berlin (or any other city for that matter) will be your first step towards settling into your expat life in Germany. You need a permanent home address to open a German bank account, access the healthcare system, receive your salary, and do any other bureaucratic activity. Accommodation in Berlin is becoming more scarce and costly as the population is increasing, and it may take weeks or even a couple of months of viewing and negotiating to find the right accommodation for you. Note that one of the first questions owners will ask is where you work and what your income is (in some cases, they may ask to see your pay slips or contract). In this article, we will give you some tips about what to expect when searching for accommodation in Germany and how to increase your chances of finding a place to call home! In Germany, there are two types of rent — cold rent (Kaltmiete) and warm rent  (Warmmiete). The former is the rent you pay excluding the utilities (Nebenkosten), whereas the latter is the rent including utilities. Hence, when you hear the price, you should immediately clarify with the owner of the property whether it includes bills (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet, television tax) or not. Other charges may include council taxes, collection of rubbish, and the cleaning of common areas. Also, when skimming through classifieds and notifications for rentals, keep in mind that when a property is advertised as a three-room apartment, it actually includes the living room, which counts as a room unless it is specified otherwise (e.g., three bedrooms and one living room). It is common for apartments to have a storage room in the basement; however, often, the owners use this space for storing their personal belongings. For flatshare or houseshare in Berlin, you will need to pass an interview during which you will have a chat with the tenants of the house about your job, interests, and lifestyle. Note that you are not the first, and you won't be the last person to be interviewed for this place, as the demand is extremely high. To choose the right neighborhood in Berlin for you and your family, you should consider the levels of noise, access to public transport, closeness to parks and nature, parking availability and crime rates. Even though each neighborhood in Berlin is more or less self-sustained, it is worth checking in advance what compromises you may end up making if you choose one over the other. Berlin's 96 or so neighborhoods fall under its 12 boroughs (Bezirke), which are equivalent to towns and are governed by the Senate of Berlin. Each neighborhood has its own character. Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg, and Mitte are among the most popular and central neighborhoods in Berlin, especially among artists and creatives. Friedrichshain, situated along the river Spree, is famous for its bars, clubs, and pubs. Kreuzberg, which used to be famous for its punk scene in the '80s, is nowadays a multi-cultural mix of old and new. Prenzlauer Berg has already become bourgeois as prices continue to rise due to the many young families who have settled there. If you prefer quieter and more peaceful neighbourhoods, you are likely to appreciate Mitte, which has an abundant cultural and historical heritage thanks to its museums and memorials, zoos, a lake, flea markets, and the Tiergarten where you can relax with friends and family. Charlottenburg is a lively and sophisticated neighborhood with theatres and museums, boutiques and shopping malls, cafes, and gardens. Stieglitz, which is close to the city center, hosts vast shopping complexes, cafes, and many office buildings. Potsdamer Platz, for its part, is a commercial and business district with huge futuristic shopping malls, shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Neukölln, located southeast of Berlin, is nicknamed Little Istanbul because of its multi-cultural background, as well as restaurants and bars where you can enjoy Oriental gourmet dishes. Many artists live.