I didn’t expect that the hardest part of settling down in Germany with children would be finding a place to live. Not because I wasn’t working or couldn’t afford the rent—but because I’m a single parent.
Landlords Don’t Trust Single Parents
In my experience, landlords often see single parents—especially fathers—as financially unstable. Even though I work full-time and have a steady income, I was rejected several times.
One landlord didn’t even try to hide the reason:
“Too many responsibilities. It’s risky.”
Another asked for several months’ rent in advance—simply because I had children.
Children Are Not Always Welcome
At one point, I was forced to move because my kids were considered “too loud” by the neighbors. They weren’t doing anything unusual—just being kids: laughing, playing, and living.
In another flat, it was the same story: complaints, warnings, and a growing sense that we didn’t belong.
Finding a Home, Not Just an Address
Today, I finally live in a building where the closest neighbors also have children. The atmosphere is completely different—there’s understanding, tolerance, and even a sense of community.
For the first time in years, I feel like I’m not walking on eggshells in my own home.
What Needs to Change?
Germany urgently needs a more family-friendly rental culture. Here’s what would help:
- Landlords must stop treating single parents as financial risks.
- Housing policies should actively prevent discrimination based on family status.
- Public housing offices (Wohnungsamt) should prioritize single-parent families fairly.
Because everyone deserves more than just a roof.
We deserve a home.