Apartment search: Cover letter for the viewing appointment

Apartment search – Affordable apartments are a scarce resource. It is important to make a good impression on the landlord during the apartment viewing. The most important means to even get to the viewing is the application letter. The article gives tips for the interview and explains which documents the application should include.

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The ideal apartment application

Documents for the landlord: resume, self-declaration & Co.

Renter self-declaration: What can the landlord ask?

Der erste Eindruck zählt: Das erste Treffen mit dem Vermieter

What to pay attention to: Tips for apartment viewing

Conclusion: What matters

The ideal apartment application

When applying for an apartment, a motivation letter and a brief resume are required. In this letter, applicants have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the landlord and stand out from the competition. In addition to professional and family circumstances, one should address the reasons for the move. The goal is to clearly explain why the specific apartment is the right choice. Note: The letter should not exceed one page. The tone can be relaxed, but should not be too casual.

Specifically for renters, the GCP service app offers numerous apartment listings and the possibility to compare them easily. GCP provides affordable housing and takes care of the concerns of tenants and potential renters. Virtual 360° apartment viewings are also part of the offering.

Our tip: A rental application that meets the minimum requirements can certainly lead to a desired viewing appointment. Those who want to increase their chances of success should add extras to the application package, such as a recommendation letter from the previous landlord or employer.

Documents for the landlord: resume, self-declaration & Co.

The following application documents belong in the apartment application:

A short resume
Proof of income/guarantee: For employees, this is a copy of the salary statements from the last three months. One can also attach a copy of the corresponding bank statements. Self-employed individuals add a copy of the previous year’s tax return. For people with a low income, there is the option to submit a guarantee (e.g., a parental guarantee).
Renter self-declaration with all personal data of the applicant: First and last name, date of birth, nationality, current address, contact details such as landline and mobile phone number and the email address. In addition, the occupation and monthly income must be stated in the self-declaration. If more than one person is moving into the apartment, all persons must complete the self-declaration.
Schufa report: Many landlords require a Schufa creditworthiness report. This can be obtained for a fee on the Schufa Holding AG website.
Certificate of freedom from rental arrears: This is issued by the current landlord and serves as proof that the tenant regularly pays their rent. Alternatively, one can attach the bank statements from the last twelve months to the application.

Renter self-declaration: What can the landlord ask?

The renter self-declaration has gained enormous importance in recent years. Landlords can learn more about potential tenants with it and ask questions about the financial and family situation of the person(s). Tenants are not obliged to answer the questions in the self-declaration. Those who omit questions reduce their chances. A comfort: Landlords must maintain data protection regarding personal information.

In the renter self-declaration, tenants provide their name, birthday, and current address and answer, among other things, the following questions:

Occupational situation: Is the potential tenant employed, self-employed, or looking for work? Who is the employer? What is the net income?
Financial situation: Does the tenant have rental arrears from a previous rental agreement?
Personal situation: Which people (name, date of birth) are moving in with the tenant? Does the tenant want to bring pets?

Zu den Angaben, die der potenzielle Mieter dem Vermieter ungefragt mitteilen muss, gehört, ob das Sozialamt die Miete übernimmt. Mieter sind außerdem verpflichtet anzugeben, wenn die Miete mehr als 75 Prozent des Nettogehalts beträgt.

Gut zu wissen: Vermieter dürfen nicht alle Fragen stellen. Tabu sind Fragen zur sexuellen Orientierung, zur Familienplanung, zur ethnischen und religiösen Zugehörigkeit sowie zur Nationalität. Fragen zum Gesundheitszustand, zur Freizeitgestaltung oder zur Mitgliedschaft in einer Partei oder Gewerkschaft sind ebenfalls nicht erlaubt. Vorstrafen, die nicht im Zusammenhang mit einem Mietverhältnis stehen, dürfen nicht abgefragt werden. Mietern ist es erlaubt, solche unzulässigen Fragen falsch zu beantworten.

Anders sieht es aus, wenn der Mieter zulässige Fragen falsch beantwortet. In diesem Fall hat der Vermieter das Recht, den Mietvertrag noch vor dem Einzug anzufechten und entstandene Kosten einzuklagen.

Der erste Eindruck zählt: Das erste Treffen mit dem Vermieter

The key points when visiting an apartment in person are punctuality and a neat appearance. During the conversation, it is important to make sure that one smiles occasionally and does not mention any negative points. For example, someone who tends to store bottles for weeks in their apartment should keep this to themselves. An open, friendly attitude and an authentic appearance are most advantageous. It is positive to signal interest. This can be achieved, for example, by asking interested questions about the apartment, the residents of the house, and the surrounding area. One should also be prepared for questions about one’s own living situation and income. The answers should be short and to the point.

What to pay attention to: Tips for apartment viewing

Because the photos from the apartment advertisement and the images from a virtual apartment tour do not always match reality, one should get a personal impression of the apartment. During the viewing, it is important to check whether the apartment meets your requirements.

Tips for the viewing:

Viewing on weekdays and during evening hours: At this time of day, the noise from the street can be assessed most realistically.
Well-kept staircase and hallway: If the staircase is dirty or the trash bins are overflowing, these are first negative signs.
Parking spaces: Are there (for example in the basement and hallway) enough spaces to store bicycles and baby strollers?
Pets: Is it allowed for the pet to move in?
Condition of the apartment in daylight: Are there any flaws visible? This includes, for example, suspicious stains on the walls and in the bathroom, the condition of the floor covering and the sanitary facilities.
Brightness: Is the apartment bright enough? In which direction do the different rooms or the balcony face?
Two-person rule: Two pairs of eyes see more than one, so it is an advantage to bring a friend along.
Taking photos: At home, you can process the impressions at your leisure.
Washing machine and others: Can the appliances be properly connected and accommodated?
Condition of the windows and heating: To estimate the heating costs, it is worthwhile to check the windows and ask for an energy certificate. How old are the heating systems and how are the ancillary costs?
Outlets: In order not to have to deal with multiple plug adapters later, the number and position of the outlets should be checked. What about the TV, internet, and telephone connections?
Built-in kitchen: Does the built-in kitchen belong to the apartment? Or must a takeover agreement be made with the previous tenant?

Conclusion: What matters

When applying for an apartment, facts and one’s own personality count. Whoever wants to have the highly coveted dream apartment should be ready to provide additional information about their financial situation. The friendliness should also not be missing in the application letter. Friendliness and politeness are the key when looking for an apartment – during personal encounters and in written form.