Schufa information for rental apartments: What you need to know

You want to rent a new apartment and have heard that you need a Schufa report? What's the point, it's already complicated enough to find an apartment in Germany? Don't worry, we'll explain what a Schufa report is, why it's so important and how you can get one. So you'll be well prepared for your apartment search in Germany.

Schufa information explained when renting

Schufa is a credit reference agency that collects information about people's creditworthiness . Many landlords request a Schufa report before they offer you a rental apartment. This is because Schufa shows whether you have paid your bills and debts on time in the past. It gives landlords a kind of assurance that you will pay your rent reliably.

An important point: Your Schufa report does not contain any details about your income, only information about your loans, contracts and payment history. On the positive side, a good Schufa score significantly increases your chances of finding a rental apartment.

How do I apply for a Schufa report for rental apartments?

Applying for a Schufa report is easier than you might think. There are several options:

1. Apply online: Visit the Schufa website (www.meineschufa.de). Here you can order the credit report online. It currently costs around 30 euros.
2. Free self-disclosure: You have the right to a free Schufa self-disclosure once a year. You can also request this via the website, but it is not intended for landlords as it does not include a credit rating.
3. On site at a post office: Some Schufa partners also offer the application offline.

Our tip: Apply for your information in good time, preferably before you start looking for an apartment. That way, you'll be prepared and can present it as soon as you're interested in an apartment. There's nothing worse than finding the perfect apartment for your needs (and your budget) and being rejected because you're missing just one piece of paper!

‍Whatadvantages does a Schufa report give me when looking for a rental apartment?

‍Witha Schufa report, you show your landlord that you are reliable and financially stable. This can give you a big advantage over other applicants, especially in the tight housing market in Germany.a positive Schufa score means that you have paid your bills on time in the past and have no outstanding debts. This creates trust and increases your chances of being accepted for an apartment. Make sure you don't accumulate any negative entries, for example through unpaid bills or reminders.‍

Further tips for finding accommodation in Germany

‍Findingaccommodation in Germany can be challenging, especially if you are new to the country. Here are some tips to help you:

• Good preparation: In addition to the Schufa information, you should have all important documents such as proof of income and your rental contract from previous apartments ready.
• Use networks: Ask friends, colleagues or acquaintances if they know of any available apartments.
• Improve your German language skills: Even if you don't speak perfect German, it can help to learn the basics. For example, take a look at our tips on how to learn German for free.

If you are also interested in topics such as the healthcare system in Germany or want to know what it is like to work in Germany as an EU citizen, we have many helpful articles for you.‍

Why WorkerHero?

WorkerHero is your platform for jobs in Germany, especially for skilled workers in the blue and gray areas. Even if you don't speak perfect German yet, we'll help you find a job. We also offer lots of useful information and tips, such as this article, to make your start in Germany easier. Check back regularly and find your next job with WorkerHero!