Schufa Score Transparency: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Germany’s leading credit agency, Schufa Holding AG, has simplified its credit scoring criteria and made them publicly available, a move welcomed by consumer advocates and tenant associations. For years, the Schufa score – a key factor in rental applications and loan approvals – was shrouded in mystery. Now, prospective tenants and homeowners can understand the twelve factors influencing their creditworthiness.

What is the Schufa Score?

The Schufa score assesses an individual’s financial reliability. Landlords frequently request a Schufa credit check (Schufa-Auskunft) as part of the rental application process to gauge a potential tenant’s ability to pay rent. Schufa maintains credit-related information on 68 million individuals and 6 million companies in Germany.

The New, Simplified Criteria

Previously, the Schufa score was calculated using up to 250 different factors, many of which were unclear to consumers. The new score is based on just twelve criteria:

• Age of oldest credit card
• Age of current address
• Number of inquiries and transactions for current accounts and credit cards in the past 12 months
• Loan with the longest remaining term
• Number of inquiries in the area of telecommunications & (online) commerce in the past 12 months
• Age of oldest bank contract
• Real estate loan or guarantee
• Installment loans taken out in the past 12 months
• Credit status
• Presence of identity verification
• Most recent credit line
• Payment problems

Concerns Remain: The Impact of Address History

Even as consumer advocates generally welcome the increased transparency, some concerns persist. Kai Werner, chairman of the Saarland Tenants’ Association, questions the inclusion of address history as a factor. “You also have to consider why I’m moving. I’m young, I’m dynamic, I’m flexible, I might aim for to have a good job, I have to move. And then that should have a negative impact on my creditworthiness? Why?” he asked, according to reports. Saarbrücker Zeitung also reported that Werner remains the first chairman of the Mieterverein Saarbrücken.

Accessing Your Schufa Score

Individuals can view their Schufa score and the underlying criteria through a personal account on the Schufa website or via the Schufa app. Registration requires an identity card.

Resources for Tenants

For legal advice regarding rental and property law in the Saarland region, Kai Werner Rechtsanwalts-GmbH specializes in these areas. The Mieterverein Saarbrücken, led by Kai Werner, also offers support and advice to tenants, with over 5,000 members. They can be reached at info@mieterbund-sb.de or (06 81) 94 76 70.

The topic was also reported on SR television on March 17, 2026.