Originally Posted by nordic1

It most likely has to do with the German laws regarding renting of property. The renter has any number of rights, including the right to continue occupying a property even if they have defaulted on paying rent. Once rented, it is virtually impossible to evict a renter. According to some of the articles in the German press, it can take years! The situation has gotten worse in recent years, with a sluggish economy, high unemployment and reductions in social services. Offering him a high deposit, or proving that you are maintaining a home whereever you are from may help the process along. If he knows you have friends, family or a job to return to, he is less likely to see you as a squatter than as a nice temporary source of additional income.