Best ways to find an apartment in Germany without SCHUFA?

Question

Just moved to Germany, landlords keep asking for SCHUFA which I obviously don't have yet. How do newcomers actually find flats?

Admin4ik · Accepted Answer

Realistic options ranked by success rate:
1) WG-Gesucht.de — rooms and sublets, SCHUFA rarely required, fastest route for newcomers.
2) Kleinanzeigen — direct from private landlords; watch for scams (never pay before seeing the flat).
3) ImmoScout24/ImmoWelt — most listings but SCHUFA usually expected.
SCHUFA alternatives that landlords accept: 3 recent payslips + employer confirmation letter, or Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung (rent-debt-free certificate from your previous landlord) — this document is gold in Germany.

✅ Best ways to find an apartment in Germany without SCHUFA?

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