A viewing appointment for a rental flat is an important opportunity to get to know both the flat and the landlord. With the right preparation and the right approach, you can make a positive impression and ensure that the flat meets your expectations.

Finding a rental flat in Germany: Tips, tricks and more

The most important things summarised

Thorough preparation is crucial for a successful flat viewing. Research the neighbourhood, create a checklist of questions and prepare all the necessary documents, including a digital application folder. During the viewing, you should check the condition of the flat, ask specific questions and present a friendly demeanour. After the viewing, it is important to review your impressions and express your interest in the flat.

Preparation before the viewing

1. Do your research
   Find out about the location and neighbourhood of the flat in advance. Use online portals such as Immobilienscout24 to find out details about the flat and the neighbourhood. Think about which aspects are particularly important to you, such as proximity to public transport, shopping facilities or green spaces.
2. How to contact the landlord
   Before you send the enquiry, check the advert to find out how the landlord would like to be contacted (email, contact form, phone call). If in doubt, an email is recommended. Name the landlord, provide details about the flat (number of rooms, address), briefly explain your interest in the flat and write one or two sentences about yourself. Ask for a viewing appointment and end with a polite greeting such as ‘Yours sincerely’ or ‘Thank you in advance’.
3. Create a checklist
   Create a list of questions you would like to ask during the viewing. This includes questions about the flat itself (e.g. condition of the floors, windows, heating), the service charges and the house rules. Good preparation shows the landlord your interest and seriousness.
4. Have documents ready
   Prepare all relevant documents that you may need to present to the landlord. This includes your identity card, current proof of salary, a SCHUFA statement and a tenant self-disclosure. A digital and verified application portfolio, such as the one offered on rentcard.app, can make this process much easier and convince the landlord.

During the viewing

1. The ideal time for a flat viewing
   Respond quickly to the landlord’s suggested dates and try to arrange a one-to-one appointment to clarify all questions in peace. It is best to schedule viewings during the week after work, when traffic is heavy and many neighbours are at home, to experience the realistic noise level. Make sure there is enough daylight so that you can assess the flat properly. Take enough time to discuss all important questions and gain a thorough impression.
2. Check furnishings and condition
   Pay close attention to the condition of the flat. Check the windows, doors, floors and heating for any defects. Take photos of important details of the flat after you have obtained the landlord’s permission. These photos can be helpful later to verify your impressions. Take someone with you to get a second opinion and evaluate the viewing more objectively.
3. Ask questions
   Ask specific questions about the flat and the tenancy. Clarify points such as the amount of service charges, the house rules and the tenants’ obligations. Also consider whether your furniture will fit in the flat and whether the layout of the flat meets your needs.
4. Behaviour
   Dress neatly and arrive on time for the appointment. A friendly and polite behaviour makes a good impression. Show genuine interest in the flat and ask specific questions to obtain important information.

After the viewing

1. Follow-up
   Review your checklist and discuss your impressions with a companion if you took someone with you. This will help you to evaluate the viewing objectively and make an informed decision.
2. Express interest
   Show the landlord your interest in the flat after the viewing. Send an email in which you express your interest and clarify any unanswered questions. Quick and positive feedback can make all the difference.

Find tips here on how to find a flat in Munich quickly and easily

Sample checklist and questions for a flat viewing

Checklist for viewing a flat

1. Preparation
   • [ ] Address of the flat noted down
   • [ ] Appointment confirmed
   • [ ] Digital and verified application folder created
   • [ ] Application documents prepared (use our application folder here)
2. During the viewing
   • [ ] Check condition of windows and doors
   • [ ] Check condition of floors and walls
   • [ ] Check heating and hot water supply
   • [ ] Bathroom: Check the functionality of the sanitary facilities
   • [ ] Kitchen: Check condition and functionality of appliances
   • [ ] Electrics: Check sockets and light switches
   • [ ] Check layout and size of rooms
   • [ ] Assess noise level and background noise
   • [ ] Check the general condition of the building and common areas
   • [ ] Take photos with the landlord’s permission
3. After the viewing
   • [ ] Discuss impressions with accompanying person
   • [ ] Express interest by e-mail

Questions about the flat viewing

1. General questions
   • How high are the monthly service charges?
   • What type of heating is used?
   • What is the internet connection like and are there any provider recommendations?
   • Are there house rules? What rules must be observed in particular?
2. Questions about the furnishings
   • Are the kitchen appliances and sanitary facilities included in the rental price?
   • Are there enough sockets and are they well positioned?
   • Are there connections for a washing machine or dishwasher?
3. Questions about the location
   • What are the public transport links like?
   • Are there enough parking spaces nearby?
   • What shopping facilities, doctors and schools are nearby?
4. Questions about the tenancy
   • Are there any special regulations regarding the notice period?
   • Are pets allowed?
   • Are there options for personalising the flat (e.g. painting the walls)?

With this checklist and these questions, you are optimally prepared for your flat viewing and can ensure that you don’t overlook any important details.

The post Successful preparation for a viewing appointment for a rental flat appeared first on rentcard.

When renting out real estate, it is important to find a suitable tenant. Among other things, creditworthiness plays a major role here. The digital application folder we have developed is a great help for landlords and tenants. Our partner ohne-makler uses our service for this reason. Managing Director Hendrik Richter gives four good reasons for this, which we are happy to list for you.

Ohne Makler means: it has to be simple

The company focuses on self-marketing. Private owners should be able to sell or rent their property without an estate agent. To this end, ohne-makler publishes its customers’ listings on many different real estate portals and offers a range of helpful services from floor plan preparation to valuation. An important approach here is: it has to be simple.

Hendrik Richter explains: “Our services are designed to enable private sellers and landlords to market their property professionally and efficiently, but without an estate agent’s commission. An important factor in letting is the selection of applicants. The digital application folder from rentcard is an important component that we have integrated into our system. This helps both sides: Landlords and prospective tenants.”

Reason 1: clear credit rating without Schufa information

The most important reason: The digital application folder contains all the essential details about your creditworthiness. Among other things, it includes a certificate of no rent arrears, proof of income and a credit report. This is realized via a secure query of account movements. In this way, Schufa is also kept out of the picture.

Hendrik Richter explains: “Many of our customers on both sides have reservations about Schufa. We solve this by integrating rentcard‘s digital application folder. This reduces the hurdle of data release and creates trust between landlords and prospective tenants. In addition, the most important key financial data is included and presented very clearly. This helps when comparing applications.”

Reason 2: simple identity check

Another reason for the digital application folder is identity verification. The data is also collected in an uncomplicated manner. Interested parties do not have to use a Post-Ident procedure or authentication via video call. This simple and quick identity check is an argument for ohne-makler to use the service.

Reason 3: secure data

The digital application folder offers data security. Hendrik Richter emphasizes: “It is very important to us that all personal data is stored in compliance with data protection regulations. This applies in particular to financial data. At this point, rentcard offers a first-class service with encrypted, secure and legally compliant queries and the use of servers in our own country.”

Reason 4: everything in one file, the rentcard application folder

Prospective tenants are often faced with the task of having to compile a lot of data from different sources. This usually includes at least the self-disclosure and the most recent payslips. With the digital application folder, they can bundle this data – without the need for a scanner – and send it to the landlord in a single file. This also applies to additional documents that can be integrated into the folder on request. According to Richter, this means more convenience for both sides and a simple exchange of relevant information.

The application folder is part of the rental profile of ohne-makler

We are pleased that ohne-makler has recognized the advantages of our application folder. The company has integrated it as an option in the rental profile. Apartment seekers can easily create the file in just a few minutes and use it for as many advertisement requests as they like. This has another advantage, as Hendrik Richter points out: “In our experience, landlords often select prospective tenants who send extensive data with their application. The digital application folder therefore helps both sides to find each other quickly and easily.”

The post Four good reasons: Why ohne-makler relies on rentcard appeared first on rentcard.

If you are applying for a rental apartment, you will need various documents to present yourself as a reliable tenant. One aspect is your past rent payment history. In practice, people use different documents for this: the certificate of no rent arrears, the previous landlord’s certificate, and the proof of rent payment. The documents are by no means the same, but each is of great importance in practice. Preparing them can also present challenges. Here’s what you should know before you send off your application folder for your new apartment.

What are a certificate of no rent arrears, a previous landlord’s certificate and proof of rent payment?

Your former landlord issues a certificate of no rent arrears to confirm that you have no rent arrears. It is a confirmation that you have paid your rent reliably and on time.

The previous landlord’s certificate, on the other hand, contains information such as the name of the landlord or property management company, the name of the tenant, the address of the previous rental property and whether there are or were any rent arrears. In addition to the certificate of no rent arrears, the previous landlord’s certificate can also provide information about the tenancy.

The proof of rent payment is an important one-page document that proves the rent payments of the last six months and thus proves the tenant’s trustworthiness. The tenant can issue the proof of rent payment from their own account without consulting the landlord.

All three of these documents serve to give the new landlord an impression of your reliability as a tenant. Note that the law does not require tenants to submit proof of rent payment. Landlords cannot enforce it, and tenants do not have to disclose it.

Does the (previous) landlord have to issue a certificate of no rent arrears?

Know that landlords are not legally obliged to issue a certificate of no rent arrears. They can refuse to issue this certificate if they believe that it could affect their legal position vis-à-vis the previous tenant. Therefore, the new landlord also has no right to demand this certificate from the applicant.

Challenges and alternatives to the certificate of no rent arrears

Although the rent free certificate and the previous landlord’s certificate are useful documents, they can also present challenges. If the ex-landlord is unwilling to issue such a certificate, the tenant must consider alternative evidence.

You can quickly and easily create proof of rent payment online, independently of the landlord, using a compilation of bank statements or your own bank account.

However, some landlords can be skeptical and providing proof of rent payment can be difficult in certain cases, for example when moving out of a shared flat or when moving out of home for the first time. In such cases, there are various solutions, e.g. the inclusion of parents as co-tenants or guarantors in the rental agreement or the submission of proof of rent payment by the parents.

If proof of rent payment is not possible at all, prospective tenants can alternatively submit their bank statements or obtain a receipt for the payments from their old landlord..

Summary

Finally, ensure that proof of reliable rent payments in the past is included in every application folder. The proof of rent payment has an advantage over the certificate of no rent arrears and the previous landlord’s certificate in terms of the process of preparing it without a (previous) landlord. Using modern technology from online banking interface providers such as FinAPI, this can be simplified considerably.

The application folder from rentcard uses this technology to quickly and easily create a proof of rent payment by connecting the tenant’s bank account to the application folder via FinAPI. We always treat the tenant’s data securely by not storing it. In two minutes, we create not only the proof of rent payment but also a complete application folder.

The post Certificate of no rent arrears, previous landlord certificate and proof of rent payment: What you should know appeared first on rentcard.

Before you can move into your dream apartment, most landlords require proof of a regular income. They want to be sure that you are able to pay the rent. But what documents can serve as proof of income and how can you present them? For example, a PDF proof of income that you have received from your employer or bank can be useful. Can I provide meaningful proof myself? And what do you need to disclose anyway? Read on to find out more about proof of income and how you can use it successfully in your application folder for tenants.

The right proof for different sources of income

People often use the terms proof of salary and proof of income interchangeably when renting an apartment. However, only those who are employed and receive a salary can strictly provide proof of salary. Proof of income also includes income from self-employment, pensions, parental allowance, child benefits, unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, investment income, interest income, and income from renting. Depending on your employment situation, different documents are suitable as proof:

• As an employee, you can use your salary or wage slips from the last three months. If you do not have these, you can ask your HR department or use an income statement template, for example the free form from the Federal Employment Agency (link to the template as a fillable PDF).
• For self-employed persons whose income fluctuates from month to month, the income tax assessment notice or bank statements are suitable proofs.
• If you receive social benefits or income replacement benefits such as unemployment benefit, social assistance, basic income support or parental allowance, it is best to submit the approval notices from the authorities as proof of income. Current bank statements are also generally accepted.
• Pensioners can use their current pension statement, while recipients of social benefits can submit the relevant approval notices.

Regardless of their employment situation, rental applicants can use providers such as rentcard to create an online proof of income by linking it to their bank account. The advantage over all other templates is that you can create this proof yourself without having to black out bank statements, HR departments or paperwork and it looks more serious in your application.

The application folder for tenants: Proof of income and more

When putting together your application folder for the apartment, you should not forget other important documents in addition to proof of income. These include a Schufa credit report, a certificate of no rental debt from your previous landlord and, if applicable, a rental guarantee. Read this article to find out which documents belong in an application folder for a new apartment.

Self-disclosure and proof of income: your rights and obligations

You may ask yourself: “Do I have to provide proof of income if I want to rent an apartment?” Landlords commonly want to see proof of your income before you are allowed to sign a rental agreement. The self-disclosure is another important document in the application folder for the apartment. It allows the landlord to find out more about you and your financial situation. However, remember that you have a right to data protection. If a tenancy agreement is not concluded, the landlord or landlady destroys the proof of income and all other documents you have submitted. Digital application folders can help with this. They usually only store your data on the server where landlords can view it. In the event of rejection, you can withdraw access from the landlord and thus protect your data from possible misuse.

With the right proof for your new home

Proof of income plays a central role in the search for a new apartment. With the right proof of income template or PDF and a well-prepared application folder for tenants, you can increase your chances of getting the rental contract for your dream apartment.

Keep the above tips in mind and start your apartment search with confidence.

The post Proof of income for tenants: Door opener to the dream apartment appeared first on rentcard.

Create an application folder for an apartment and become a top applicant

An application folder for an apartment? What people considered unusual a few years ago is now almost a must when looking for accommodation in urban areas. The university city of Freiburg and the surrounding towns and municipalities also have a tight housing market. Up to 164 people might show interest in one rental apartment in Freiburg city center.

Therefore, to get an apartment, you need to stand out positively! By properly designing your application folder, you show that you are interested in the apartment and suitable as a tenant.

This belongs in the application folder

A well-compiled application folder gives the landlord or landlady a professional and serious impression. Here are some important documents that should not be missing in your application folder:

• Cover letter / introductory text
• Proof of income
• Credit report
• Rental payment confirmation and previous tenant’s certificate
• Tenant self-disclosure
• Guarantee (optional)

Cover letter / introductory text

The cover letter is your first opportunity to stand out from other applicants. In your cover letter, demonstrate your genuine interest in the apartment. Describe exactly what you like about the apartment and your motives for moving into it. Make sure you write in a factual and respectful style and that your cover letter is well designed. A personal “About us” text can also leave a positive impression.

Proof of income

Proof of income is an important document that proves your financial situation. Accepted documents include, for example, payslips, a certificate of income from your employer, a pension statement, or a notice of approval for social benefits, such as a Hartz IV notice. Self-employed persons should submit the income tax assessment from the tax office to prove their income.

Credit report

A credit report provides the landlord or landlady with information about your solvency. It contains information about whether you have had payment arrears in the past or have reliably met your payment obligations. Every citizen has the right to an annual free credit report, which you can request from credit agencies such as SCHUFA.

Rental payment confirmation and previous tenant’s certificate

You can give your future landlord an insight into your previous tenancy with a rent payment confirmation and a previous tenant’s certificate. These documents provide information about the duration of the tenancy and whether you have paid your rent on time. They give the landlord a picture of your reliability as a tenant.

Tenant self-disclosure

In the tenant self-disclosure form, you provide information about your intended tenancy. Provide information on the number of people moving into the apartment, whether there are children or pets, and other personal details such as current address, date of birth, and marital status. A template for a tenant self-disclosure form can serve as a guide.

Guarantee (optional)

If you do not yet have your own income, for example as a student, you can prove your ability to pay by providing a rent guarantee. Your parents or other relatives can issue a guarantee. A template for a guarantee declaration can help you if necessary.

Apartment application folder: What you should bear in mind

When preparing your application folder, you should consider the following points to make a good impression:

1. appealing design: Make sure that your application folder is attractively designed. Avoid stains, dog-ears, or a messy arrangement of loose sheets. Choose a classic design without overly conspicuous patterns and make sure that your application folder is complete and well organized.

2. no false information: Remain authentic and avoid making false statements. False information in a tenancy can lead to termination without notice. Show that you are serious about the apartment and remain serious.

3. be prepared for everything: Put together your application folder in advance and prepare for any additional evidence that the landlord or landlady might ask for. This will allow you to react quickly and show that you are well prepared.

A well-designed application folder increases your chances of standing out from the crowd of applicants and getting the apartment you want. Use the documents mentioned and follow the tips on the design and authenticity of your application folder.

Good luck with your apartment search!

The post Application folder can increase the chance of renting an apartment appeared first on rentcard.

What is a tenant self-disclosure?

The tenant self-disclosure is an important part of a rental apartment application. It provides the landlord with a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s personal, family, and financial circumstances. When combined with a credit report, the landlord can assess the solvency and suitability of the potential tenant.

Why is a tenant self-disclosure required?

The landlord needs information about potential tenants to avoid rent nomads or tenants who won’t pay. Voluntarily provided information, like details about pets or planned apartment use, helps the landlord select suitable tenants more precisely.

Is the tenant self-disclosure mandatory?

Self-disclosure for tenants is voluntary; the landlord cannot legally require it. However, completing the self-disclosure improves the applicant’s chances of acceptance.

Permissible questions in a tenant self-disclosure:

• Identity of the tenant (e.g. name, address, date of birth, etc.)
• Marital status
• Number and age of persons belonging to the household
• Employment relationship/employer
• Net income
• Pets, if their keeping may be prohibited
• Whether the tenant is a smoker
• Whether the social welfare office or another basic income support provider bears the rental costs
• Whether insolvency proceedings have been opened against the tenant’s assets
• Whether an affidavit has been made
• Whether there is an attachment of income
• Rent debts from previous tenancies

Inadmissible questions in a tenant self-disclosure:

• Family planning (existing or planned pregnancy)
• Memberships (e.g. in political parties, in a tenants’ association or in a trade union)
• Existence of legal protection insurance
• Person of the previous landlord
• Nationality or ethnicity
• Membership of a religious community
• Hobbies or taste in music
• Existing illnesses or disabilities
• Previous convictions or pending investigations
• Disclosure of income and liabilities in detail
• Income situation of relatives, unless they are also tenants or have provided a guarantee

The tenant’s duty to provide information without being asked:

Tenants must provide unsolicited information in certain situations, such as:

• The rent amounts to 75% or more of the tenant’s net income.
• When the social welfare office or other basic security institutions cover the rent
• When insolvency proceedings have begun against the tenant’s assets

Providing proof of income can also increase the chances of finding a new apartment, even when not required.

What are the consequences of false statements in the tenant information?

It is crucial to provide truthful information when filling out the tenant self-disclosure form. If a tenant provides false information on permissible questions, the landlord can take legal action and terminate the tenancy agreement without notice. Tenants face no legal consequences for refusing to answer inadmissible questions. However, landlords who ask inadmissible questions may face fines for violating the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Tenant self-disclosure and data protection:

The GDPR mandates that landlords use collected data only for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes and comply with GDPR principles when collecting and storing data.

Finally, the tenant self-disclosure is essential for a rental application. Truthful and relevant answers increase the applicant’s chances of acceptance.

Applicants can complete the tenant self-disclosure form online, with many forms or samples available. Using a PDF template for the self-disclosure makes the process easier. As part of a proper application portfolio, a carefully completed self-disclosure helps make a positive impression on landlords and increases the chances of finding an apartment.

The post Fill out tenant self-disclosure form: Tips and information appeared first on rentcard.