4 tips for applying for an apartment [2023]

To help you do well when applying for an apartment, we have this valuable article for you. After the viewing appointment, you are absolutely sure that you want to move in. Very good, now to the next step. The good impression you have left must be continued with a written application. We will give you some tips on how to write a successful housing application.

Which documents belong in the dossier for the apartment application?

THE COVER LETTER – Application for an apartment

It is important to be brief and concise. Don't write long stories. The cover letter should not be longer than one page. Introduce yourself – and the other roommates – briefly and succinctly. Describe your job, your family and also state the reason for your move.

In this cover letter you should also say why you are interested in the apartment. Explain to the landlord why you want it Apartment should get. It's also a good idea to explain why you would fit in with the other tenants. Maybe you have a special reason why you choose this one Apartment want. Dare to write something personal. This way you will stand out from the other applicants and the landlord will remember you. By the way: A CV you do not need to submit it.

APPLICATION FORM

Sometimes application forms are left lying around at the viewing appointment. You should take a copy with you. These forms vary depending on the housing company. If there isn't one, then you should look for a copy on their homepage. If there isn't one there, just find a pattern online. Now grab the application form and let's get started!

The information on the application form refers to your personal data, such as contact details, profession and annual salary. There are also additional questions: Is it a smoking household? Are there pets? Interestingly, you are not required to answer the question about whether you smoke or not, but you are required to indicate whether you have a pet. You will also be asked about your credit score. This leads us to the next topic: the debt collection register.

OPERATION REGISTER

It's understandable that your future landlord will want to know whether you are able to pay your rent on time each month. That's why you need a copy of the debt collection register. Of course you can refuse to hand over a copy, but then you have little chance of getting the apartment. For one Housing application it is necessary for you to disclose some information.

The debt collection register shows your solvency as a potential tenant. In addition, the landlord will be informed about foreclosures. Is there something in the register that was not your fault? Explain the unfortunate situation openly to your tenant. Sometimes offense is the best defense.

💡 By the way: The debt collection register can be obtained from the local debt collection office and should not cost more than 20 francs. Do not submit a copy, but the original.

RESIDENCE PERMIT

You don't live in Germany? Then be sure to include your residence permit in your application dossier. A letter of recommendation also works wonders.

Minimal mission accomplished: Now for the extra stuff

You have now met the minimum requirements for your successful application. That wasn't hard, was it? Breathe in and out and think about what kind of impression you will make if you only meet the minimum requirements. It may be a good one, but often it won't be enough. Here are a few additional things you could include in your apartment application binder to spice it up.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFERENCES

Do you have a good relationship with your current landlord? Or what about your employer? Maybe one of them will be willing to give you one Letter of recommendation to write a letter saying that you are reliable and uncomplicated. Note that you don't need to provide too many references. Your future tenant doesn't need a whole catalog of information.

SALARY PROOF AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

It is not necessary to show the tenant your salary slip or employment contract. But applying for an apartment is all about going the extra mile (or being first) when there are a lot of applicants. At some point you have to make a difference. When you present this information, you are playing with open cards and creating trust.

Do's and Don'ts when applying for an apartment

Stains in the cover letter, typos in the certificates, illegible information in your application documents. These mistakes don't exactly make you appear in a positive light. Put some effort into making sure your documents look flawless. Have you still not submitted your application a week after the viewing? That's a no-go. The apartment could already be gone. Being quick is everything. You should hand in your documents on the day of the viewing, but no later than one day afterwards. Often you are competing with applicants on the same day. It's even quicker if you put everything together as a PDF document by email send.

Did you submit your documents a week ago? Don't let your cell phone out of your sight. Maybe you will get a positive call from the landlord. You can also make a good impression by call a day or two laterto make sure he has received your documents. This way you show your interest in the apartment. But don't be pushy: you shouldn't lie. This also applies to apartment applications. Do not state anything that could turn out to be false. It is illegal to provide false information.

Be individual when applying for an apartment

Of course, you need a bit of luck to get the apartment because the number of applicants is high. You can stand out by having a creative application submit. Invest some energy into the cover of your dossier. Include a picture of yourself from your last vacation that expresses your kindness. Begin your writing with a quote. Your landlord will remember this. Or maybe you can think of a little anecdote from the day of the viewing. Or is there a funny detail that caught your eye? Write it in!

Do not forget, …

…to be yourself. Don't lay it on too thick and trust your luck. Then you will be successful with your application.