Schufa credit report and Selbstauskunft

Most landlords require a Schufa-Auskunft (credit report) with your application. New arrivals can request a free annual copy and should know how to build a positive score quickly.

Key points to understand

Free annual Datenkopie from schufa.de; paid instant report for applications

Free annual Datenkopie from schufa.de; paid instant report for applications. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Selbstauskunft is a self-declaration of income and employment — standard in rental applications

Selbstauskunft is a self-declaration of income and employment — standard in rental applications. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Negative entries (missed payments, over-limit credit) stay for 3 years and can block flat rentals

Negative entries (missed payments, over-limit credit) stay for 3 years and can block flat rentals. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.