Additional costs when renting
These might include electricity, gas and internet.
Electricity
Germany has many providers and there is no monopoly. There is a "Grundversorgung" (basic supply), which is provided by Stadtwerke Bochum (in Bochum only, other cities have other basic suppliers). You will automatically be put onto their plan if you do not choose your own provider. Some companies might offer a "bonus" for promising to stay with them for at least a year or a "Neukundenbonus", if you haven't used their services before. Some might even offer cinema tickets or some other discounts.
Usually, electricity contracts run for a year before you can terminate the contract on a monthly basis. Also there will most likely a "Preisgarantie" (price guarantee) for a year, meaning the price per kWh won't rise in your first year. One person in a household usually spends 1000 to 1500 kWH per year, however these numbers are estimations and it could depend on what type of appliances you have. When you sign up for a provider after giving them your estimate, they charge you a fixed amount every month. If you get the number wrong, at the end of the year, you get either money back (if you spent less than your estimate), or they charge you a bit more (if you spent more than the estimate). Knowing roughly how much electricity you spen in a year (kWh) can help you find the cheapest options and help you organize your finances. Changing your contract regularly, can help cut down costs when the "Preisgarantie" is over.
Most people use Check24, Idealo or a different site to compare companies and options.
Gas
Most things true for electricity, also apply to gas contracts. Stadtwerke Bochum are the basic suppliers unless a different contract is signed. Changing your gas contract every year or so can help you keep costs down.
Internet
In Germany, there are several broadband internet providers, and the availability often depends on your specific location. The most common types of internet connections include DSL, cable internet. Some regions and neighborhoods also have glass optical fiber available. Ask your landlord for the specific options you have. There are online platforms, such as Check24 and Idealo, which you can help to compare different providers and their packages. While comparing, have in mind factors such as contract duration, internet speed, and any special offers for new customers. Not every provider will have the same quality sadly, so do talk to neighbours, friends and colleagues what they use and how satisfied they are with their company.
The company will send you a router, if you haven't magically on available.
When changing apartments, you might be able to take your current contract with you, only if your previous internet provider’s service is available at the new location. Otherwise, you will have to search for a new provider, and cancel your previous contract based on the cancellation terms. Most internet contracts automatically renew upon their expiry. If you wish to cancel your contract or change provider, most companies require a three months’ notice. The easiest way to change provider is to let your new company handle it: once you take out a new contract with them, they will terminate your previous contract, and inform you about the next steps.