Rental application: the 5 most important documents

An apartment is found — now the application file matters. Landlords often decide within days. Whoever has all documents ready has a clear edge.

The five essential documents

• Schufa credit report: requestable online within minutes.
• Income proof: the last 3 payslips (or self-declaration if self-employed).
• Landlord reference: from your current landlord.
• ID or passport (copy).
• Optional: guarantor, employment contract or bank statements — depending on requirements.

Build your file in 30 minutes

Prepare all documents once as PDFs. For each application, copy them into a folder — as an email attachment or printed. Make sure the Schufa report is not older than three months.

Tip: with Kiezfinder you can attach your documents directly to the search order — so your finder has everything ready when the right apartment appears.