What is a Mieterselbstauskunft?
The tenant self-disclosure (Mieterselbstauskunft) is a one or two page form where you tell the landlord who you are, what you do, how much you earn and who will live in the flat. It is not a legal requirement, but in practice most landlords will not consider you without one.
There is no official template. Landlords use their own forms or accept yours, as long as the usual information is there.
What landlords may and may not ask
According to German data protection authorities, a landlord may only ask for information that is genuinely needed to decide on the tenancy. Before a viewing, that is usually limited to name, contact details and the number of people moving in. Once you are seriously interested, typical questions are:
- current employer and type of contract, net monthly income
- number of people moving in, pets
- whether insolvency proceedings or rent arrears exist
Questions that are usually considered off-limits include religion, nationality as such, political views, pregnancy or family planning, and criminal records unrelated to the tenancy. If a question is not allowed, you generally do not have to answer it truthfully, but leaving it blank is the safer option. Questions that are allowed must be answered truthfully, because false answers can later justify terminating the lease.
Tips for expats filling it in
- Probation period (Probezeit): if you are still in your probation period, say so honestly. Adding your employer's confirmation that the contract is permanent (unbefristet) helps.
- Income in another currency or from abroad: state the net amount in euros per month and attach proof.
- Students: list your blocked account (Sperrkonto) payout, scholarship or parental support as income, and consider a guarantor.
- No current German address: use your current address abroad or a temporary address. Landlords understand that newcomers are moving from somewhere.
- Previous landlord: if you have none in Germany, write "first flat in Germany" instead of leaving the field empty.
Why the PDF stays in German
The landlord will compare your form with others, so it should look familiar to them. You answer the questions in English on screen, and the tool fills in the German form for you. Empty optional fields are printed as lines so you could still fill them in by hand.
Once you are done, add it to your complete application PDF together with your letter and proof of income.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mieterselbstauskunft mandatory?
Not by law. But most landlords and property managers expect it, so applications without one often get skipped.
Do I need to sign it?
Yes, the form should be signed and dated. You can print and sign it, or add a scanned signature before sending.
Should I include my nationality or residence permit?
Nationality is not something the landlord needs to decide on a tenancy. Many applicants still attach a passport copy and residence permit to show their identity and right to stay, which can reassure landlords. That is your choice.
Can I fill it in for two people?
Yes. If two adults will sign the lease, both details are included. Other household members such as children are listed as well.
Is an English self-disclosure form OK?
Some landlords accept it, many don't. A German form is the safer bet, which is why this tool always produces German.