Extra tips
Whether you are an EU citizen or not, there are some things you should consider before trying to find a place to rent in Germany. The majority of landlords in Germany are friendly and fair, but there are some who aren’t. Because of this, it is important to follow some rules which will protect you as a tenant. Many Germans are able to speak at least some English, but being able to speak the language fluently will give you a better chance of being chosen as a tenant. If you do not speak German or have difficulty understanding the German language, you should bring an interpreter or friend with you when you first talk to the landlord or broker.
Learning German Goes A Long Way
It is important to be able to speak German when renting an apartment in Germany, as the contract will be in German and any legal declarations made during the tenancy will only be legally binding if they are made in German.
An exception to the language rule can occur if the landlord speaks your language or uses a bilingual rental agreement in which the second language is expressly agreed to be the contractual language. As a foreign applicant for a rental apartment in Germany, you do not have to present more documents than a German applicant. The more positive details a landlord knows about you, the more likely he or she is to decide in favour of renting to you.
But you should bring these documents with you to the landlord for the first viewing appointment:
- ID, passport, or other documents about your identity
- (Temporary) residence permit or visa
The following documents are not mandatory, but give a plus-point to the applicant profile:
- Including a translated version is beneficial if the original letter of reference from a previous landlord is in a foreign language.This is how the landlord sees your efforts and also has the original in mind.
- If you are a foreigner and are looked after by an organization in Germany or are part of a corresponding association, you can also bring a letter of reference from there about your reliability.
As proof of your ability to pay, landlords in Germany will often ask to see your income information or a SCHUFA report. SCHUFA is a database that records almost all people living in Germany, including whether they have any outstanding debts. This is useful for landlords because it provides another way to confirm that the tenant is likely to be able to make their rental payments.