Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: The Document Every Expat Needs After Moving

What Is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation of housing) is a legal document in which your landlord confirms that you have moved into their property. Since November 2015, every landlord in Germany is legally required to provide this document under Section 19 of the Bundesmeldegesetz (Federal Registration Act).

Without it, you cannot complete your Anmeldung (address registration) at the Buergeramt — and without Anmeldung, you cannot open a bank account, get your tax ID, or apply for a residence permit.

What Information Does It Contain?

A valid Wohnungsgeberbestätigung must include:

• Name of the person providing housing (Wohnungsgeber) — your landlord or property management company
• Address of the property — the full street address including apartment number
• Date of move-in (Einzugsdatum)
• Names of all persons moving in
• Signature of the landlord or authorized representative

Most Buergeramt offices also accept digital signatures, but a physical signature is safest.

Who Must Provide It?

The Wohnungsgeber (housing provider) is whoever gives you access to the apartment:

• Landlord (private person or company)
• Property management company (Hausverwaltung) — if they manage the apartment on behalf of the owner
• Sublessor — if you are subletting, the person subletting to you must provide it
• Family/friends — if you move in with someone, the main tenant or property owner must confirm

If you are the property owner and moving into your own apartment, you fill it out yourself.

When Do You Need It?

You need the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung before your Anmeldung appointment. Since you must register within 14 days of moving in, the practical timeline is:

1. Move-in day: Ask your landlord for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung at the Uebergabe (handover)
2. Within a few days: Book an appointment at the Buergeramt
3. Within 14 days: Complete your Anmeldung with all documents

Pro Tip

Many landlords hand it over on key collection day. If your landlord uses a Hausverwaltung, contact them directly — they often have pre-filled templates ready.

What If Your Landlord Refuses?

This is more common than it should be. Some landlords are unaware of the requirement or try to avoid it. Here is what to do:

1. Inform them of the legal obligation: Cite Section 19 BMG — failure to provide the confirmation within 14 days is a Ordnungswidrigkeit (administrative offense) with fines up to EUR 1,000
2. Put your request in writing: Send an email or letter explicitly asking for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, mentioning the legal requirement
3. Go to the Buergeramt anyway: Explain the situation. Most offices will still process your Anmeldung and may send a reminder to your landlord
4. Report it: If the landlord persistently refuses, the Buergeramt can initiate an administrative fine procedure

Common Mistakes

• Confusing it with the rental contract: The Mietvertrag (rental contract) is NOT a substitute for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — the Buergeramt requires the specific confirmation form
• Missing apartment number: Especially in large buildings, ensure the exact unit is specified
• Wrong move-in date: The date on the confirmation must match your actual move-in date, not the contract start date
• Forgetting it when moving within Germany: You need a new Wohnungsgeberbestätigung for every move, even within the same city

Template

The official form is called "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung nach Section 19 BMG" and is available as a free download from most city government websites. Your landlord can also write a freeform letter containing all required information.

Take Action

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