formli AI logo formli AI
Back to Library
🇩🇪 Germany

Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

Landlord Confirmation for Registration

Easy ~5 min RegistrationHousingLandlordAnmeldung

/ What is this form?

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord's confirmation letter) is a mandatory document under § 19 of the German Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz, BMG) that has been required since November 2015. It replaced the earlier system where tenants could self-register without any landlord involvement, which had created problems with fictitious registrations at false addresses.

The form is simple — typically just one page — but it is a legal prerequisite for every Anmeldung (residence registration) in Germany. The landlord (Wohnungsgeber) can be the property owner, a professional property management company, or another tenant subletting part of their flat. Whoever has the right to authorize someone to live at the address must sign the confirmation.

Millions of these forms are produced each year, given that Germany has approximately 4-5 million people moving annually (interstate, into Germany, and within cities). Landlords who fail to provide the form within 2 weeks of a tenant's move-in face fines of up to €1,000 under § 19 Abs. 3 BMG.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Every person moving to a new address in Germany who needs to complete an Anmeldung
  • Anyone moving for the first time to Germany — the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is their first administrative step
  • EU and non-EU citizens who recently arrived and are establishing their first German address
  • People changing their primary or secondary residence within Germany
  • Students moving into a new shared flat, student dormitory, or private accommodation

/ What you need before you start

The name and address of the landlord (Wohnungsgeber)
The complete address of the property including apartment number
The names of all persons to be registered (you and any family members moving in)
The move-in date
The landlord's signature (no notarization required)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Understand the Legal Requirement
Section 19 of the Bundesmeldegesetz (BMG) requires every landlord to provide a written confirmation of occupancy to their tenants within 2 weeks of move-in. This form is mandatory — there is no alternative. Without it, the tenant cannot complete their Anmeldung (residence registration).
2 Landlord Completes the Form
The landlord (Wohnungsgeber) fills in: their own name and address, the full address of the property (street, house number, flat number), the date the tenant moved in, and the names of all people who will be registered at the address. Most municipalities provide a standard PDF that can be downloaded and filled in.
3 Landlord Signs and Hands Over
The landlord signs and dates the form. There is no notarization or official stamp required — a regular signature suffices. The landlord hands the completed form to the tenant before or at the time of the Anmeldung appointment.
4 Tenant Submits with Anmeldung
The tenant brings the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung along with their passport/ID and the completed Anmeldung form to the Bürgeramt. Without the landlord confirmation, the Bürgeramt staff will refuse to process the registration.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Name des Wohnungsgebers (Landlord Name) Full legal name of the person or company who owns or manages the property and has authorized the tenancy. For corporate landlords: the company name. Listing the property management company when the actual landlord is the owner — check your rental contract to see who the Vermieter is.
Anschrift der Wohnung (Property Address) Full address including street, house number, apartment number (if applicable), postal code, and city. The address must exactly match the address you will register at the Bürgeramt. Omitting the apartment number (Wohnungsnummer) for multi-unit buildings — the Bürgeramt requires the complete address.
Namen der einziehenden Personen (Names of Moving-In Persons) Full legal names of every person who will be registering at this address, exactly as they appear on their passport or ID. Listing only the primary tenant and forgetting family members — each person who will be registered must be named explicitly on the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
Einzugsdatum (Move-In Date) The actual date you moved in or started occupying the property. The Bürgeramt has 14 days from this date to be the deadline for registration. Using the start date of the rental contract instead of the actual move-in date — if you moved in later than the contract start, use the actual date.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Arriving at the Bürgeramt without the form — the Anmeldung cannot proceed without it. There are no exceptions.
Having the wrong person sign — the Wohnungsgeber must be the person or company who authorized you to live there, not a neighbor or another tenant.
Using an outdated form from a different municipality — while any valid form is accepted, some Bürgerämter prefer their own template. Download from the local Bürgeramt website to be safe.
Not registering all household members on one form — all people moving in simultaneously should be listed on the same form, or they must each bring their own signed copy.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I do the Anmeldung without the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?

No. The Bürgeramt will not process your registration without it. This is a legal requirement under § 17 BMG. If your landlord refuses or delays, you can seek legal advice or contact the municipal office to report the non-compliance.

What if I am a homeowner — do I still need this form?

As a homeowner registering at your own property, you fill in and sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung yourself, in your capacity as your own Wohnungsgeber. You confirm your own occupancy.

Is the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung the same as the rental contract?

No. The rental contract (Mietvertrag) is a civil agreement between you and your landlord. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is a separate administrative document specifically required for registration purposes. Some Bürgerämter may accept a rental contract as supporting evidence but cannot replace the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

Can I live at an address without registering?

No. German law requires everyone to register within 14 days of establishing their primary residence. Failure to register is an administrative offense that can result in fines. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is the mechanism that ensures landlords actively participate in the registration system.