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Finding a flat in big German cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt is competitive; dozens of people may apply for each listing. The landlord (Vermieter) usually decides within minutes which application to read. So a tidy document folder and speed of response are your biggest advantages. In this guide you will see which documents are needed and how to prepare them.
The main rental application documents
- Mieterselbstauskunft (tenant self-disclosure): a form that collects your details: name, job, income, number of occupants, pets, smoking and so on. A template is available on rental sites and from tenants’ associations. Write only information that the landlord is legally entitled to ask; questions about religion, ethnicity or plans to have children are not allowed.
- Proof of income (Einkommensnachweis): usually the last 2 to 3 payslips or an employment contract. Students can bring a scholarship confirmation, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) certificate or a parental financial guarantee. About the blocked account: blocked account guide.
- SCHUFA report (SCHUFA-Auskunft): many landlords request it. You can obtain a “BonitätsCheck” or “Datenkopie” from SCHUFA itself. If you have just arrived and have no history, write this honestly in the letter. Details: SCHUFA guide.
- Certificate of no rent arrears (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung): confirmation from a previous landlord that you owe no rent. If you have no rental history in Germany yet, it is not needed and you can explain.
- Copy of passport and residence permit: a copy of your passport and residence card (Aufenthaltstitel) or visa. On the copy you may black out the document number.
- Proof of work or study: an employment contract, university admission letter or enrolment certificate.
A short cover letter (Bewerbungsschreiben)
A one-page letter, with an optional photo, including: a short introduction, your job or studies, the desired move-in date, and that you are a quiet and orderly tenant. Keep the tone polite and formal. If your German is weak, have the text checked by an acquaintance or a translation tool, but do not copy and paste.
Have a digital folder ready
Combine all the documents into one PDF file (at most about 5 MB) and give the file a clear name, for example “Bewerbung_Mietwohnung_Name.pdf”. When applying, send only this one file so the landlord does not have to open several attachments.
Practical tips to improve your chances
- Send a message within the first 10 to 30 minutes after a listing is published; for attractive listings speed is decisive.
- Read the listing in full and refer to its details (for example the move-in date) in your message.
- Arrive punctually and tidily for the viewing (Besichtigung); bring the printed folder as well.
- If you are new to the search, see the flat-hunting guide and the flat rental guide.
- Beware of scam listings: signs of rental fraud.
Summary
A tidy folder with the Mieterselbstauskunft, proof of income, SCHUFA (if available), copies of identity documents and a short letter multiplies your chances in the competition for a flat. After you find a flat, address registration (Anmeldung) is the next step: Anmeldung guide.
