Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: What It Is & Who Must Issue It

Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: What It Is & Who Must Issue It

You cannot complete your Anmeldung without it, and it is not the same thing as your rental contract. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) is a short document in which your landlord confirms that you have moved in. Here is what it must contain, who must issue it, and what to do if it is missing.

What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?

It is the written confirmation, required by § 19 of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz, BMG), that you moved into a specific residence. The landlord, or someone they authorise, must issue it. Berlin's official service portal states plainly that a lease alone does not replace it. ^[1]

What must it contain?

According to § 19 BMG, the confirmation must include: ^[2]

• the name and address of the landlord (and the name of the owner, if that is a different person)
• the date you moved in
• the address of the residence
• the names of the people who need to register

Many cities publish a ready-made form, for example Munich and Hamburg. You can hand the form to your landlord. The law specifies the required content, so check whether your office insists on its own form.

Who has to provide it, and when?

The landlord (or an authorised person) must confirm your move-in in writing, or electronically to the registration office, within the same two-week window that applies to you for registering. ^[2] If the landlord does not confirm, or you do not receive the document in time, § 19 obliges you to tell the registration authority.

What if my landlord is late or refuses?

1. Ask in writing (email or message) and quote § 19 BMG. Keep a copy: it shows you tried.
2. Give the landlord the details they need. § 19 also requires tenants to supply the information the landlord needs to complete the confirmation.
3. If it still does not arrive, contact the registration office (Bürgeramt) before your two weeks are up. Some cities, such as Munich, provide a form for a missing confirmation. Check what your city offers.

Fines: who can be fined?

Under § 54 BMG, failing to register on time can lead to a fine of up to €1,000. The same maximum applies to a landlord who fails to confirm a move-in, or who issues a false or late confirmation. Offering an address for registration when nobody actually lives there, or is meant to, can cost up to €50,000. ^[3]

That last rule is why you should never accept a "registration only" address from a stranger. It is an offence for the person offering it.

How to get your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: step by step

1. Sign your rental contract and agree your move-in date with the landlord.
2. Ask for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung at or right after move-in. Bring your city's form if there is one.
3. Check that it shows the landlord's name and address, your move-in date, the full address and every person registering.
4. Make sure it is signed. If the landlord submits it electronically to the registration office, ask for the confirmation code.
5. Take it, together with your passport and the registration form, to your Anmeldung appointment. If you cannot get one, read our guide on the Anmeldung appointment shortage.

Frequently asked questions

Is a rental contract enough for the Anmeldung?

No. Berlin's service portal says a lease does not replace the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, which the landlord must provide.

How long does the landlord have to issue it?

The landlord must confirm the move-in within the same two-week period that applies to your own registration deadline (§ 17 and § 19 BMG).

What is the fine if I register late?

Up to €1,000 under § 54 BMG.

Do I need a separate confirmation for each person?

One confirmation can list all persons who are registering at the address. The confirmation must include their names.

Can I register without it?

Registration offices expect the confirmation. If your landlord will not provide it, tell the office as early as possible. Rules for handling a missing confirmation differ between cities.

Sources

1. § 19 BMG (Mitwirkung des Wohnungsgebers)
2. § 54 BMG (Bußgeldvorschriften)
3. Service Berlin: Wohnsitz anmelden
4. City of Munich: Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form
5. City of Hamburg: Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form

The BMG is federal law, but registration offices are run by cities and may handle details differently. Check with your local Bürgeramt. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked September 2026.