The so-called tenant self-disclosure form is one of the documents that is requested by almost every landlord during the apartment search. Especially in big cities such as Berlin or Hamburg, you won't get around filling it out.

But what actually belongs in a tenant self-disclosure form, and which data is voluntary? We answer these questions for you here. We've also provided a tenant self-disclosure form to fill out yourself as an instant PDF download.

What information belongs in the tenant self-disclosure form?

Fundamentally, the self-disclosure serves to give the landlord a first impression of your financial and personal situation. The following details are customary and usually required:

  • Personal data: name, address, date of birth, phone number and email address.
  • Employment situation: details about your employer and the type of employment relationship (permanent / fixed-term)
  • Net income: to assess whether you can afford the rent.
  • Number of people moving in: so the landlord knows how many people will use the apartment.
  • Previous landlord: contact details of the previous or current landlord for any follow-up questions.
  • Financial circumstances: yes/no questions to assess financial reliability and risks.

Which details are voluntary or inadmissible?

Not all information that landlords would like is mandatory or legally permissible - you do not have to provide the following details:

  • Religion or political views: this data is private and has no influence on the tenancy.
  • Marital status: you are not obliged to give information about your marriage or partnership.
  • Pregnancy: this information is not relevant for the letting.
  • Illnesses or disabilities: such details are legally protected and do not have to be provided.
  • Criminal record extract: this can only be requested in special cases.

The tenant self-disclosure form is an important part of the apartment search and helps to strengthen the trust between tenant and landlord. Nevertheless, you should pay close attention to which information you disclose. You can simply leave inadmissible questions unanswered.

Sample tenant self-disclosure form as a PDF download

The following tenant self-disclosure form has all the necessary details discussed above. You can either print it out directly or fill it out on your computer with a suitable PDF program - remember that both you and your co-tenant have to sign the self-disclosure.

If the landlord provides you with their own self-disclosure form after the apartment viewing, you should use that one. It is tailored to their requirements and contains all the information they deem necessary. This way you avoid misunderstandings and can make sure that you provide all the requested details correctly.