What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, and how do you get one?

A Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is a document signed by your landlord that is mandatory for your Anmeldung (registration of residence). It essentially means "landlord confirmation" or "proof of accommodation."

#Legal Basis

✅ The Bundesmeldegesetz (BMG) §19 (Federal Registration Act) — became law in November 2015. ✅ Anyone completing their Anmeldung must present a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. ✅ Your landlord is legally obligated to sign it.

#Content

#Required Information

✅ Landlord's full name ✅ Landlord's address (their own address, not just the rental property) ✅ Your new address (where you're moving) ✅ Your full name + date of birth ✅ Einzugsdatum (move-in date) ✅ Signature + date

#Optional

• Phone number (for the registration officer to verify)
• Type of landlord's signature (physical signature or an eIDAS digital signature is legally accepted)

#Download Forms (City-Specific)

#Berlin

✅ service.berlin.de → "Einzugsbestätigung des Wohnungsgebers" ✅ Berlin's official form: 1 page, German/English

#München

✅ muenchen.de → "Vermieterbestätigung" ✅ Form in German, signed after completion

#Hamburg

✅ hamburg.de/wohnungsgeberbestaetigung

#Frankfurt

✅ frankfurt.de → "Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung"

#Köln

✅ stadt-koeln.de → link on the Anmeldung page

✅ The form is standardized — if you don't use a city-specific form, your landlord can create their own format (provided it contains all the necessary information).

#Who Qualifies as a Landlord (Wohnungsgeber)?

#Who is the Wohnungsgeber?

✅ The Eigentümer (property owner) — the actual owner of the apartment. ✅ The Hauptmieter (main tenant) — if they rent the apartment themselves and are permitted to sublet. ✅ The dormitory administration — whether it's a Studierendenwerk (student union housing) or a private dorm. ✅ A family member — if you're living with them.

#NOT the Wohnungsgeber

❌ A third party (e.g., a real estate agent) — they are just an intermediary. ❌ An AirBnB host (short-term accommodation). ❌ A hotel/hostel — the owner is not subject to this type of accommodation registration.

#Scenarios

#Scenario 1: You're not the Hauptmieter in a shared apartment (WG)

• The Hauptmieter provides the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
• The Hauptmieter must have permission from their landlord to sublet.
• The Hauptmieter's name and the landlord's name will be separate on the document.

#Scenario 2: Studierendenwerk Dormitory

• The dormitory administration signs it.
• The Studierendenwerk's name and address will be on the document.
• The document is valid even if you don't have a direct rental contract with the Studierendenwerk.

#Scenario 3: Direct Landlord (Sole Tenant or Co-Tenant (Mitmieter))

• The property owner (Eigentümer) signs it.
• All Mitmieter (co-tenants) can receive the same document.

#Scenario 4: Family/Relative's House

• Your relative signs it.
• Your relative must be the Eigentümer or Hauptmieter.

#Process for Getting the Document

#1. Ask Your Landlord

• When you sign your Mietvertrag (rental contract), ask for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung at the same time.
• Once your move-in date is confirmed, the landlord fills out the document.

#2. Download the Form + Filling It Out

• Download the form from your city's Bürgeramt (citizen's office) website.
• The landlord fills it out or fills it out for you (they sign the blank spaces).
• The date on the document should be recent (maximum 2 weeks before your Anmeldung).

#3. Signature

• The landlord's physical signature or an eIDAS digital signature.
• A signed copy via email/PDF is accepted (with a recent date).

#4. Take it to the Bürgeramt

• At your Anmeldung appointment, present the original or a printed PDF copy.
• The officer will take the document and file it.

#Common Problems and Solutions

#Problem 1: The Landlord Won't Provide the Signature

• ⚠️ Legally, the landlord is obligated to sign it (BMG §19).
• If they refuse → cancel the Mietvertrag and look for another shared apartment (WG).
• Contact a legal advisor + the Mieterverein (tenants' association).

#Problem 2: The Landlord is in Turkey / Abroad

• An online signature (eIDAS) is accepted.
• A proxy (manager/caretaker) can sign.
• Sending by mail (slow but possible).

#Problem 3: The Wohnungsgeber is Not Listed in the Mietvertrag

• The Mietvertrag and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung are different documents.
• The officer might check if the Wohnungsgeber matches the landlord listed in the Mietvertrag.

#Problem 4: The Document is Too Old

• It must be dated a maximum of 2 weeks before your Anmeldung.
• If it's old → ask your landlord for an updated document with a current date.

#Practical Advice

✅ When signing your WG contract, ask for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung to be prepared at the same time. ✅ Complete the document before returning to Turkey — your landlord might be hard to reach later. ✅ Get 2 copies — one for your records, one as a backup. ✅ Save a PDF on your phone — for quick access at your appointment.

#Legal Sanctions

⚠️ If a landlord doesn't provide a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, they could face a fine of up to 1,000 €. ⚠️ As a tenant, you cannot complete your Anmeldung without this document, which means you'd violate the 14-day rule (with potential fines of 500-1,000 €). ⚠️ In practice, these fines are very rarely enforced, but it's good to be aware of the law.

Related: Anmeldung documents | Is a WG contract sufficient?.