Q&A

🏠 Checklist: Apartment Search

Complete list of documents you need for a successful apartment application in Germany.

German terms
Wohnungssuche SCHUFA-Auskunft Mieterselbstauskunft Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung Warmmiete Kaltmiete
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SCHUFA credit report Required
SCHUFA-Bonitätsauskunft
Free once/year at meineschufa.de ('Datenkopie'). Landlords prefer the paid 'Bonitätsauskunft' (29.95€).
Proof of income (last 3 payslips) Required
Einkommensnachweise / Gehaltsabrechnungen
Rule of thumb: net income should be at least 3× the warm rent.
Tenant self-disclosure form (filled in) Required
Mieterselbstauskunft
Standard form with info about income, employer, pets. Often provided by the landlord.
ID card or passport (copy) Required
Personalausweis / Reisepass
A copy is enough for the application. Original only when signing the contract.
Confirmation of no rental debts Required
Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung
From your previous landlord. Confirms no rental debts. Not legally required, but very common.
Guarantor letter (for students/newcomers) Optional
Bürgschaftserklärung / Mietbürgschaft
Parents or other guarantors with stable income in Germany. Significantly improves your chances.

Other checklists

📋
Anmeldung Checklist (Address Registration)
Complete document list for registering your address at the Bürgeramt.
6 items
👶
Kindergeld Application Checklist
259€/month per child (from 2025). Apply at the Familienkasse.
8 items
🛂
Residence Permit Appointment Checklist
Appointment at the immigration office — renewal or issuance of a residence permit.
8 items
🏦
Bank Account Opening Checklist
Documents needed to open a German bank account — branch or online bank.
6 items