Renting a home in Germany involves more than just finding the right apartment. It also includes contacting the landlord, submitting necessary documents, and completing the application process correctly. For newcomers, this process can seem overwhelming at first. In this article, we explain which documents are usually required, what alternatives you can provide, and which key points to keep in mind.

What Documents Do Landlords Require?

Landlords or property managers in Germany typically ask for documentation to confirm that the tenant can pay rent regularly. The following are commonly required:

1. Recent Payslips:
Payslips from the last three months are the primary proof of your financial situation.

2. Copy of Passport or Residence Permit:
A copy of your passport or residence permit is usually requested. Only copies should be provided – not original documents.

3. SCHUFA Report (Credit Check):
The SCHUFA report is a standard credit report in Germany that shows your financial reliability, such as debts or payment behavior. However, this report is only available to people who already live in Germany and have a German bank account.

Alternatives for Newcomers

If you’ve recently arrived in Germany and don’t yet have a SCHUFA report or payslips, you can provide alternative documents:

1. Employment Contract:
A signed job contract proves that you will have a regular income and can afford the rent.

2. Letter from Employer:
A short informal letter from your employer confirming your employment can also help.

3. Reference from Your Bank at Home:
A financial reference letter from your home country’s bank can support your application and show your creditworthiness.

4. Guarantee from a Relative in Germany:
If you have a relative living in Germany, they may act as a guarantor for you. This improves your reliability in the eyes of landlords.

Tenant Self-Disclosure (Mieterselbstauskunft)

Many landlords ask tenants to fill out a Mieterselbstauskunft, a voluntary form where you provide information about your marital status, occupation, and whether you have children. However, some questions (e.g., pregnancy, religion, political views) are not legally allowed, and you are not obligated to answer them truthfully.

Be Prepared Before Visiting

Before visiting the apartment, it’s best to ask what documents the landlord will require. Being fully prepared can set you apart from other applicants, especially in competitive rental markets.