Many landlords in Germany want to see a Schufa credit report and a certificate from your previous landlord. If you have only just arrived, you often have neither. That is normal and no reason to give up. In this article you will find out which documents you can show instead, how to put together a good application and which types of housing are easier to get into. You will also learn how to spot scams. After reading, you will be able to search in a targeted and well-prepared way.
Why landlords want these documents
A landlord wants to be sure that you will pay the rent on time every month. To check this, they use two documents:
- Schufa credit report (Schufa-Auskunft): Schufa is a private credit agency. It collects data on how people in Germany handle loans, contracts and bills. If you are new, it usually has no data or very little data on you. You can read more about this in Understanding and building your Schufa.
- Certificate of no rent arrears (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung): This is a letter from your previous landlord. It states that you do not owe any unpaid rent. People often call it a rent certificate (Mietbescheinigung) for short.
If these papers are missing, the landlord needs other proof. Your job is to give them this security in a different way.
Documents you can show instead
You can use many documents that also show that you are reliable:
- Employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag): It shows that you have a regular income. A permanent contract looks especially secure.
- Payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen): If you are already working, include your most recent payslips. Many landlords ask for the last three.
- Confirmation from your employer: If you have not received a salary yet, your employer can confirm in writing that you work there and how much you earn.
- Bank statements (Kontoauszüge): They show that you have enough money for the deposit and rent. You may black out spending that is none of the landlord's business.
- Letter from your previous landlord abroad: A short letter saying that you always paid your rent is helpful. Include a translation into German or English.
- Get a Schufa report anyway: Even an almost empty report shows that there are no negative entries. Everyone can request a free copy of their data once a year.
- Proof of your residence status: A valid residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) shows that you are allowed to stay for a longer time. More on this in Sorting out your residence permit.
Step by step: your application folder
In Germany, you apply for a flat almost the same way you apply for a job. A complete folder makes a good impression. Here's how to do it:
- Fill in a tenant self-disclosure form (Selbstauskunft): This is a form with your details, for example your name, job, income and the number of people in your household. You can find templates online. Only give true information.
- Write a short cover letter: Introduce yourself in a few sentences. Explain openly that you are new in Germany and therefore do not yet have any Schufa data or a rent certificate.
- Sort your documents: Put your employment contract, proof of income and other documents in a fixed order.
- Have your ID ready: It is best to show your passport or ID card at the viewing. If you send a copy, you can black out information that is not needed.
- Save everything as one file: Many landlords want the folder by email. A single PDF file is practical. Also bring a paper version to the viewing.
A German current account (Girokonto) also helps, because rent is usually paid by bank transfer. Read Opening a bank account for more. A German phone number makes it easier for landlords to reach you: Choosing a mobile plan.
Offering extra security
If you are missing documents, you can accommodate the landlord in other ways:
- Guarantee (Bürgschaft): Another person promises in writing to pay the rent if you cannot. This person is called a guarantor (Bürge). They should usually live in Germany and have a secure income.
- Rental deposit (Mietkaution): The deposit is money that you leave with the landlord as security. It may be no more than three months' rent without additional costs (Nebenkosten). This rent without additional costs is called basic rent (Kaltmiete). You are allowed to pay the deposit in three monthly instalments.
- Deposit guarantee (Kautionsbürgschaft): Instead of cash, there are also insurance policies that cover the deposit for you. You pay a fee for this every year. Ask beforehand whether the landlord accepts it.
However, do not offer to pay several months' rent in advance before you have a contract. That is risky.
Housing that is easier to get into
Not every flat is equally hard to get. These options are often easier for newcomers:
- Shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft, WG): You rent a room and share the kitchen and bathroom with others. Here, whether you get along with each other often matters more.
- Temporary sublet (Zwischenmiete): You live in a flat for a few months while the tenant is away. This gives you time to keep looking calmly.
- Subletting (Untermiete): You rent from a tenant, not from the owner. The owner must allow this. Ask about it.
- Furnished flats for a limited time: They are usually more expensive, but often require fewer documents.
- Housing cooperatives (Wohnungsgenossenschaften): A cooperative is a community that owns many flats. You become a member and buy shares. There are often waiting lists.
- Municipal housing companies (städtische Wohnungsgesellschaften): Many cities have their own housing companies. For some flats you need a housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS). This is a certificate for people with a lower income. The rules differ depending on the federal state and city. Ask at your city's housing office (Wohnungsamt).
- Help from your employer or university: Some employers have contacts with landlords. Students can apply for a place in a student residence (Wohnheim).
Spotting scams
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of newcomers' difficult situation. Watch out for these warning signs:
- The rent is much lower than for similar flats.
- The landlord is supposedly abroad and wants to send you the key by post.
- You are asked to pay money before you have seen the flat.
- You are asked to send money via a cash transfer service.
- You are asked to send a copy of your passport very early, without any appointment.
Only pay once you have seen the flat and signed a written contract. If you pay in cash, always ask for a receipt.
After you get the flat: the next steps
Once you have a tenancy agreement (Mietvertrag), there are a few tasks ahead of you:
- Ask your landlord for the landlord's confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). This is a form you need for registering your address (Anmeldung). After that you can register your address.
- Sign up for electricity and, if needed, gas.
- Take care of internet at home and the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag).
- Look into personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) and contents insurance (Hausratversicherung).
By paying on time, you will build a good track record over time. Then, when you next move, you will also get a rent certificate.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Incomplete documents: Always send the full folder. Half-finished applications often get no reply.
- Keeping quiet about the problem: Explain openly why your Schufa and rent certificate are missing. That comes across as honest.
- False information: Untrue information in the self-disclosure form can later lead to your tenancy being terminated.
- Pinning your hopes on just one flat: Apply for many flats at the same time.
- Not understanding the contract: Only sign what you understand. If needed, get help from a tenant advice service (Mieterberatung) or an advice centre for immigrants.
- Paying strangers in advance: Never pay before the viewing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a flat at all without a Schufa entry?
Yes. Having no entry is not a negative thing. It just means that there is no data yet. Other proof, such as your employment contract and proof of income, will help you.
Do I have to pay an estate agent's fee (Maklerprovision)?
For rental flats, the agent is usually paid by whoever hired them. In most cases, that is the landlord. If in doubt, ask before you sign anything.
How do I get my free Schufa report?
You can request a free copy of your data from Schufa. Make sure you choose the free option. You can find details in Understanding and building your Schufa.
Does it help if I speak better German?
Yes, it often does. Simple sentences at the viewing make a good impression. You can find tips in Learning German.