[UweSchmidt]

That's just a basic financial credit score, and you can easily rent without one (even though some financial accountability is probably reasonable to balance the strong renter protection laws here). What's so nefarious about it?

[pjmlp]

Tell that to all the landlords I have met during the last 20 years, easily is not a word that comes to mind.

Only my very first rental back in January 2005 wasn't required, however I would say either it wasn't as widespread, or I was very lucky getting the flat from a university student leaving the apartment and her father (the landlord) fancying me.

Most of folks on my friends circle have similar experiences.

[mschuster91]

The intransparency and the constant attempts to get access to more and more data troves. And the borderline extortionate pricing - it's not the landlords who have to pay for each score report, it is expected that interested renters pay. Close to as vile as the real estate broker pages where you are chanceless until you pay for a premium membership.