Wohnungsbesichtigung Checklist PDF: Your Guide to Stress-Free Apartment Viewings

Discover the essential checklist for a successful apartment viewing in Germany. Learn what to bring, what questions to ask, and which criteria matter most for choosing your ideal home.

What should you bring to an apartment viewing?

For a successful viewing, bring key documents and tools: a checklist, your SCHUFA report, your ID, and a camera. Bring your SCHUFA report since landlords often ask for it to assess your creditworthiness. A camera helps you capture details you might otherwise miss during the visit.

What questions should you ask during a viewing?

Ask about the cold rent and any utility costs, to understand the total cost including warm rent. Ask about lease terms, such as the deposit amount, which under Section 551 BGB may not exceed three months' cold rent. Also ask about pet policies, renovation rules, and neighbourhood characteristics.

What are the most important criteria when apartment hunting?

The most important criteria are location, rent, size, condition, and amenities. Location affects your daily life, so consider proximity to work or schools. Also assess the condition for necessary repairs and check whether amenities like parking or a balcony are included.

For what reasons can a landlord view the apartment with advance notice?

Landlords can view the apartment for repairs, inspections, or to show it to prospective new tenants, but must notify you in advance. Make sure such visits are scheduled at a time that works for you.

The checklist room by room

• Windows and walls: Look for dark spots or a musty smell around window reveals, on exterior walls and behind furniture, as these can point to mould. Check that the windows close tightly.

• Bathroom: Turn on the tap and shower to test water pressure and hot water, and check whether there is a window or an extractor fan.

• Kitchen: Ask whether a fitted kitchen comes with the apartment or whether the previous tenant wants a transfer fee (Ablöse) for it.

• Heating and power: Ask what type of heating the apartment has and count the sockets in the rooms where you will work or cook.

• Building and surroundings: Take a look at the stairwell, cellar and bike room, and open a window to listen for street or train noise.

• Mobile signal: Test your phone reception inside the apartment.

Take photos of any defects you notice. If you move in, they belong in the handover protocol.

Bring your application documents to the viewing

For popular apartments, landlords often ask for documents right after the viewing. Have a complete folder ready:

• a completed tenant self-disclosure (Mieterselbstauskunft), see our example of how to fill it out correctly

• proof of income, usually your last three payslips

• a current SCHUFA report, or alternatively the free SCHUFA Datenkopie

• a copy of your ID

• if available, a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung (confirmation of no rent arrears) from your previous landlord

After the viewing: next steps

If you are interested, send your documents promptly and complete. Factor in the deposit at this stage too: under Section 551(2) BGB you may pay it in three equal monthly instalments, with the first due at the start of the tenancy. How long you can expect to wait for an answer, and what to do in the meantime, is covered in our guide on when to expect apartment application results. To hear about new apartments early, you can create a profile on Waitly, upload your documents and subscribe to the newsletter for rental apartments in Berlin or rental apartments in Leipzig.

Bottom line

Apartment viewings are a decisive step in finding your ideal home. Good preparation with a checklist and asking the right questions make the process significantly easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you bring to an apartment viewing?

A checklist, SCHUFA report, ID, and camera.

What questions should I ask during a viewing?

Ask about rental costs, contract terms, the deposit amount, and neighbourhood characteristics.

What's the maximum legal deposit?

No more than three months' cold rent under Section 551 BGB.

For what reasons can a landlord view the apartment?

For repairs, inspections, or to show it to new tenants, each with advance notice.

For how to apply for a WG online, see WG application guide. For your rights and obligations around move-out viewings, see tenant obligations guide. Join Waitly and simplify your apartment search.