Required documents
1. SCHUFA-BonitätsAuskunft (max. 3 months old)
2. Proof of income (last 3 pay slips or tax return for self-employed)
3. ID copy
4. Rent payment confirmation from current landlord (Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung)
5. Self-disclosure form (Selbstauskunft - questionnaire from landlord)
Nice-to-have documents
Employment contract (shows stability), parent's guarantee (for students/career starters), CV (yes, really - shows stability), photo of you/your household (be likeable), reference letter from previous landlord.
Rent payment confirmation
Your current landlord confirms you have no rent debt. No legal right to get this! Ask nicely. Alternative: bank statements showing rent payments (redact recipient). For first apartment: parent's confirmation.
Self-disclosure form
Standard form with questions about income, employer, marital status, pets, etc. Fill out honestly - false information can lead to lease termination. Some questions (religion, family planning) are illegal - you don't have to answer.