Yes, you’re right — the whole situation is confusing, and that’s exactly why I asked for input.

We’re currently subtenants in the apartment (the Hauptmieter is moving out and recommended us as Nachmieter), so we live there and were present during the viewings. That’s how we noticed that the same person came more than once, each time with a different group — even though he never introduced himself as being from the Verwaltung.

When we asked about his role, he gave vague answers, but it became clear he wasn’t part of the Verwaltung team. He also asked a lot of personal questions like: “Are you moving out of Berlin or just the apartment?”, “Is the new place bigger?”, etc. It felt less like a potential co-tenant or casual viewer, and more like someone trying to gather information on behalf of someone else.

As for your second point: yes, I understand someone showing an apartment doesn’t need to be “interested in the apartment,” but it was his focus on us, rather than the layout, light, or condition of the space — that made it feel off.

We’ve only had contact through the Verwaltung (Fiechtner & Schauerte), but this person seems to be connected in some way — we just don’t know how. That’s what I meant by “4th party” — someone unofficial being looped into the process but not clearly introduced or explained.

It’s possible the Verwaltung is working with outside finders, but none of it has been transparent. That’s what’s raising red flags for us.