Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: the landlord confirmation
This one document stands between you and your Anmeldung. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is your landlord's written confirmation that you've moved in – and by law they must give it to you. Here's what it contains, how to get it, and a plain example.
Fill in the confirmation
Enter the details and hand the printed sheet to your landlord – then only the signature is missing. On the right you see which details § 19 BMG still requires, and by when you have to register.
What it is and why you need it
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) proves to the registration office that you really live at the address. You cannot complete your Anmeldung without it – and the Anmeldung is what unlocks your bank account, tax ID and more. Under § 19 of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), the landlord is legally obliged to provide it.
What it must contain
- Landlord's name and address (the Wohnungsgeber).
- Type of event: moving in (Einzug).
- Move-in date and the address of the apartment.
- Names of everyone moving in.
- Date and the landlord's signature. Many registration offices provide a standard form.
A plain example (German)
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung gemäß § 19 BMG Wohnungsgeber: [Name, Anschrift des Vermieters] Hiermit bestätige ich den Einzug folgender Person(en): [Name(n) des Mieters / der Mieter] Einzugsdatum: [Datum] Anschrift der Wohnung: [Straße, Hausnr., PLZ, Ort] [Ort, Datum] [Unterschrift des Wohnungsgebers]
Roughly: "Landlord confirmation under § 19 BMG. Landlord: [name, address]. I hereby confirm the move-in of the following person(s): [tenant name(s)]. Move-in date: [date]. Apartment address: [street, no., postcode, city]. [Place, date] [Landlord's signature]." There's a fuller German template here.
How to get it from your landlord
Ask for it the moment you move in – don't wait until your registration appointment. The landlord must provide it within two weeks. If they refuse or stall, you can notify the registration office, but in practice most landlords hand it over routinely, often on the same standard form the office uses.
First, land the apartment
You'll only need a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung once you've secured a flat. WohnungsBewerber reads any listing, writes your personal German application letter and pre-fills the contact form – so you get there faster, even without fluent German. You review and send it yourself. Free, data stays local.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?
A written confirmation from your landlord that you've moved into their apartment. You need it for the Anmeldung, and under § 19 BMG the landlord must provide it.
What must it contain?
The landlord's name and address, the move-in event and date, the apartment address, the names of those moving in, plus the date and the landlord's signature. Offices often provide a standard form.
How quickly must my landlord give it to me?
Within two weeks of your move-in. If they refuse or delay, you can inform the registration office – but most landlords hand it over routinely, so ask as soon as you move in.
Can I register without it?
No – it's a required document for the Anmeldung. The office cannot register you without it, so get it from your landlord before your appointment.
What if my landlord refuses to issue it?
They are obliged to. Under § 19 BMG the landlord must confirm the move-in within two weeks, and failing to do so is a regulatory offence that can cost up to €1,000. In practice it is usually not refusal but ignorance. Hand over the sheet already filled in, so only the signature is missing – that settles most cases. If it does not, point to § 19 BMG in writing and set a deadline.
Does the owner have to be named as well?
Only if the owner is not the landlord. In that case § 19 (3) BMG additionally requires the owner's name and address – for example when a property manager rents out the flat, or when you are subletting. That line is missing from many templates online, and it is a common reason for the office to hand the paper back.
Is my rental contract enough instead?
No. The registration office requires the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung as a separate document. Your contract proves that you rented the flat, but not that you actually moved in – and that is exactly what the landlord confirms.