Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in English – a small guide
What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in English?
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung roughly translates to “landlord’s confirmation”. This document is a statement made by whoever gives you accomodation that you have moved in at a set date. It takes the shape of a form filled in and signed by your landlord, agency or relative.
This document is required in Germany to register your address with the Anmeldung. It’s not possible to complete the Anmeldung without it.
It sometimes know as Einzugsbestätigung des Wohnungsgebers, or Vermieterbescheinigung as well in some parts of Germany.
Who fills in the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?
The person providing you with accomodation has to provide you this document, as defined by law in the Bundesmeldegestz (BMG), section 19.
This is most often a landlord directly, or represented by their estate management agency. However, in a flat share or sublet situation, this can be provided by the main tenant when there is a sublet, in agreement with the landlord (since they have be aware of who lives in the place at all times).
When staying at a relative or a friend, it is also possible to obtain this document from them, even though there are no contracts or payments between you. Again, the landlord should in theory be aware of who lives there at all times.
How do I fill in a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form?
The law states that the following information should be displayed on the document:
- Name and address of the accomodation provider, as well as the name of the owner/landlord, if both are different entities.
- Move in date.
- Address of the accomodation.
- Name of the person that moves in.
- Signature of the accomodation provider
As long as this information is there, any document could in theory be accepted. You can use the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung example form available there. You can fill-it in online & save it as PDF or print-it this empty template out first and fill it by hand.
If you need a translation of the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung form, you can open this document next to it as a help: Wohnungsgeberbestätigung English template.
This also works as Wohnungsgeberbestätigung pdf for Berlin. In fact, it works for any city in Germany.
Anmeldung without a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung: is it really not possible?
It is not possible to do the Anmeldung without a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. It is a compulsory document that will be requested by the city clerk (Beamter) during your appointement.
Some people argue that it is possible to fill that document in themselves as city clerks usually don’t check its authenticity and don’t have any resources to do it anyway. While this is true, it is still illegal to do this.
This small post clarifies the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in English, why it’s needed and how to fill it in. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Bastien
Is it possible or legal for me to sign Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung document for my sister who just moved to Germany without consulting the landlord?
What are the steps?
Hey Anna. You don’t need to consult with the landlord for this, since it’s a family member staying with you for free. If she were to become a subtenant, you’d need to ask the landlord first. (Source for good measure).
hi Bastien, thank you for the detailed explanation. I have a query – I am the main tenant in my apartment. My landlord confirmed me that I can provide Wohnungsgeberbestätigung to my wife arriving soon to Berlin and live with me. can you please let me know which name to provide in “Angaben zum Eigentümer” ?
Hello there. Well in theory it should be the landlord’s or the house management company since they have to provide it by law. In practice, no one will check at the Bürgeramt so you could you put there your name there as well. Up to your judgement.
Thanks for the info!
My landlord provided me the pdf of the Wohungsgeberbestatigung
Can I submit it via email?
If not can I submit a black and white print out of it?
Hey Nabeel. You need to bring a paper copy of this PDF with you yes.
Hello Bastien, I just settled in Berlin and I need my Wohnungsgeberbestätigung but the landlord say that it’s to an Hausverwaltung to send the document filled. Do we need to go that way or he can directly fill it ?
Thank you !
Hey Louis. Both can do it but if a Hausverwaltung is involved, it’s usually the Hausverwaltung indeed.
Thank you very much !
I’m temporarily staying with someone that doesn’t want to let their landlord know that I’m staying with them. Will the registration office verify with the landlord if the main tenant fills out the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?
Hey Joe. No, the Amt is not checking individually who is filling those forms out.
Hi Bastien, thank you for the great explanation of the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. I am currently renting an apartment in Berlin for a periode of four months. I do not have a lease or signed contract with my landlord, but we have a written “non-legal agreement” (as he puts it in the agreement) listing the conditions of the apartment and the duration of the stay. I pay rent and deposite. The problem is, that he denies me Anmeldung on the address. He says it is too troublesome to do so when I am only staying four months and that I am only staying as a guest. Is he legally allowed to do so? He has not provied me with the document of Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
Hey Lea. This is a weird situation honestly. I haven’t heard of something like this, it’s a little fishy. He may not have named this contract this way but You are effectively a tenant and he is effectively a Wohnungsgeber. He has to provide with a Bestätigung by law, even if you are only a guest. He might refuse because of some other reasons: not declaring his rental income, receiving housing benefits, etc… Good luck with it all!
Hi Bastien. Thank you so much for this info. In the section whereby we list the number of people moving in, should I list the tenant and their sibling’s name there? I am the only one moving in by the way.
Thank you.
Hey Sandra. No sure I quite understand. You should list on this document the people moving in. Are the siblings moving in too?
Hey Bastien, thanks for the post/info. Quick question – I am going to register at a friend’s apartment where she’s the owner. Do I have to put her name again under “Angaben zum Eigentümer…” b/c she’s currently living there…? Thanks for your help!
Hello H. Yes, that would be correct.