Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but finding the perfect apartment can often be a daunting task, especially for expats relocating to Germany. This blog post serves as your comprehensive guide, offering valuable insights and practical advice to streamline your apartment search and help you navigate the application process with confidence.

Why is a comprehensive rental application important for expats?

As an expat, establishing trust and demonstrating reliability with German landlords is crucial. The rental market in Germany can be highly competitive, and landlords typically prioritize tenants who provide a complete and well-prepared application. By presenting a comprehensive applicant portfolio, you showcase your professionalism and readiness, increasing your chances of securing your desired apartment.

What should your rental application for Germany include?

To make a strong impression and stand out in the German rental market, your rental application should contain the following essential documents:

1. Cover Letter (Anschreiben)

Craft a personalized cover letter, highlighting your motivation for moving to Germany, your commitment to the local community, and your excitement about the specific apartment. Briefly mention your employment status, relevant qualifications, and any local connections or support networks you may have.

On a single page, briefly and succinctly, convey why you and the apartment are a perfect match. Highlight factors such as the convenient location relative to work or family, the appealing layout, or the desirable amenities. Infusing your cover letter with a personal touch adds an extra level of appeal and helps you make a lasting impact.

2. Self-Disclosure Form (Mieterselbstauskunft)

Provide a detailed self-disclosure form, including information about your financial situation, employment, and previous rental history. Be sure to emphasize your ability to meet rental obligations and your willingness to comply with German rental regulations.

Focus on providing details that directly relate to the tenancy, avoiding unnecessary information such as family planning, hobbies, or club memberships.

3. Proof of Income (Einkommensnachweis)

Include documentation of your income, such as employment contracts, payslips, or bank statements. If you are self-employed, provide a thorough overview of your business income and financial stability.

Traditionally, proof of income consists of copies of your pay stubs from the past three months or a signed income statement from your employer listing recent salary deposits. Alternatively, if you are self-employed, an income and expense statement can be provided.

4. Rental Payment History (Mietzahlungsnachweis)

Obtain a rental payment history from your previous landlord or provide bank statements showing your consistent and timely rent payments. This demonstrates your reliability as a tenant.

The rental payment history serves as evidence that you have consistently paid rent on time and have no outstanding rental debts. If your previous landlord is unwilling to provide a certification, you can present bank statements as proof, redacting any irrelevant information.

5. Credit Report (Bonitätsnachweis)

While not mandatory, including a credit report from a credit agency is considered good practice during the apartment search. At Bewerbermappe.com, we provide our own credit report, eliminating the need for expensive credit checks through external agencies.

6. Guarantor Agreement (Bürgschaft)

If you are renting your first apartment or facing financial constraints, having a family member or close friend act as a guarantor can be beneficial. Typically, parents assume this role and must provide information about their own creditworthiness and payment reliability.

7. Copy of Identification (Identitätsnachweis)

German landlords typically require this document for their records. No additional copies of your identification are required for your applicant portfolio, as privacy concerns make this practice questionable. The new landlord only needs to verify your identification briefly using your ID card or passport.

How should you present your rental application?

To stand out among competitors, it’s essential to make a lasting impression. While an rental application alone is a significant step, landlords often receive numerous rental applications during the apartment application process. Therefore, it’s important to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Maintain a friendly yet assertive tone in your communications.
• Avoid spelling and formatting errors.
• Ensure your portfolio is complete. Forgetting to include certain documents or submitting them later can be perceived as negligence.
• Keep your applicant portfolio clean and free of creases.
• Whenever possible, opt for digital submissions, as most landlords prefer them.
• Above all, prioritize professionalism over creativity.

How can you create your rental application?

To optimize the impact of your rental application, consider the following tips:

1. Translate your documents: If your application documents are not in German, have them translated by a certified translator to ensure they are easily understandable for landlords.
2. Organize your portfolio: Arrange your documents in a clear and logical order, following the requirements and preferences of German landlords. Label each document clearly and include a table of contents for easy reference.
3. Personalize your cover letter: Tailor your cover letter to each specific apartment and address the landlord directly. Highlight your understanding of the local rental market and express your genuine interest in the property.
4. Submit your application in advance: To stand out in a competitive market, submit your application as early as possible. This demonstrates your eagerness and proactive approach to securing the apartment.
5. Follow up: After submitting your application, consider sending a polite follow-up email or making a phone call to express your continued interest in the apartment. This shows your commitment and dedication.

Make it easy for yourself and let us take care of the work!

Navigating the German rental market as an expat can be challenging, but with a well-prepared rental application and the right approach, you can increase your chances of finding your ideal apartment in Germany.

At Bewerbermappe.com, we offer a complete rental application in PDF format that can be customized and filled out within minutes. With our convenient service, you can quickly obtain a ready-to-print or email-ready rental application without the hassles of finding and assembling the documents yourself.

Make your apartment application process smoother and more efficient with a comprehensive rental application. Start impressing landlords today and increase your chances of securing your dream apartment.