Short Answer
Generic cover letters or messages written in English are deleted immediately by German landlords.
Your first sentence must explicitly declare your financial stability and lack of liabilities to survive the initial screening.
What Most Expats Don't Realize
You sent 500 friendly, English messages explaining your background and career goals to various landlords. You received zero replies because automated filters and busy agents instantly trash any message that does not lead with income and language statistics. Because you used an international template, your messages went straight to the bin, forcing you to extend your temporary stay at a cost of €1,800.
What To Do
- Open your message template and translate the entire text into formal German.
- Put your occupation, permanent contract status, and exact net income in the very first sentence.
- "Ich bin Nichtraucher und habe keine Haustiere." (I am a non-smoker and have no pets.) — include this exact phrase in the first paragraph of your message.
The Truth
Germany's rental market leaves no room for personal narratives during initial contact. The system treats messages as data sheets, discarding any application that fails to state financial and lifestyle compliance in the opening line.