SCHUFA is a real obstacle for many apartment seekers in Berlin. Expats without German credit history, international students, people after a period of financial difficulty: they all face the same problem. On the classic Berlin housing market, landlords almost always ask for a SCHUFA report. But there are ways to find an apartment in Berlin even without SCHUFA.
What is SCHUFA and why do landlords ask for it?
SCHUFA (Schutzgemeinschaft für allgemeine Kreditsicherung) is Germany's most important credit reporting system. It collects information on credit agreements, payment behaviour and possible payment defaults. A good SCHUFA score signals to the landlord: this person pays their bills on time.
The problem: anyone new to Germany has no SCHUFA record at all, neither good nor bad. This makes it difficult for landlords to assess creditworthiness, which is why many prefer applicants with a proven SCHUFA record.
Furnished temporary apartments: Often without SCHUFA
The simplest way to find an apartment without SCHUFA in Berlin: furnished short-term rentals. Platforms aimed at international tenants and expats generally do without the SCHUFA report. Instead, alternative forms of security are required: proof of income from the home country, an advance payment of one to two months, or a verified profile on the booking platform.
Anyone looking for a furnished apartment in Berlin without SCHUFA will find a wide range of options on Farawayhome Berlin that do not require German creditworthiness.
Other options without SCHUFA
Option |
Possible without SCHUFA? |
Requirements |
Furnished short-term rental |
Yes |
Proof of income, advance payment |
Shared flat (WG) room |
Often yes |
Personal impression matters more |
Through friends / network |
Yes |
Personal trust |
Subletting |
Often yes |
Main tenant decides |
Classic rental apartment |
Mostly no |
SCHUFA almost always required |
Building up a SCHUFA record: how it works
Anyone planning to stay in Germany long-term should build up a SCHUFA record. This works by: opening a German bank account (counts positively), taking out a mobile phone contract, paying bills on time, and arranging small installment payments and always paying them on time. After six to twelve months, one usually has a built-up SCHUFA history that is sufficient for landlords.
Conclusion
Finding an apartment in Berlin without SCHUFA is possible, most easily through furnished short-term rentals. For long-term tenancies, one should build up a SCHUFA record in parallel.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I rent an apartment in Berlin without SCHUFA?
Yes, especially through furnished temporary apartments. Platforms for international tenants generally do without SCHUFA.
2. What do landlords ask for instead of SCHUFA?
Proof of income from the home country, an advance payment of one to two months, or a verified profile on the booking platform.
3. How do I build up a SCHUFA record in Germany?
Through a German bank account, paying bills and contracts on time, and a mobile phone contract. After six to twelve months, one has a built-up history.
4. Are there apartments in Berlin for expats without SCHUFA?
Yes, platforms such as Farawayhome offer furnished apartments specifically for international tenants and expats without a SCHUFA requirement.
5. What is a negative SCHUFA and what does it mean for the apartment search?
A negative SCHUFA means there are payment defaults or reminders. This makes the apartment search on the classic Berlin market very difficult. Furnished short-term rentals are often still possible in this case.
Guide: Expat Guide Berlin