Schufa, income proof & co.: how to put together your documents

The documents most requested for rental applications are always the same. Being well prepared can make the difference — especially in Berlin, where applicants often queue by the dozen.

The three key certificates

The Schufa credit report can be ordered online — it usually arrives within minutes as a PDF. For employees, income proof consists of the last three payslips; the self-employed submit a self-declaration with their last two tax assessments instead.

Landlord reference & more

You get the landlord reference from your current landlord — most issue it without fuss. Some landlords also ask for a self-declaration or an employment contract.

• Schufa report: online, ~€30, instant PDF.
• Payslips: from HR or the online portal.
• Landlord reference: request from your current landlord.
• Self-declaration: download a template and fill it in.

Tip: digitise all documents once and keep them in one folder — each new application then only takes a few minutes.