Here is what it is, how to get it fast, and exactly what to do if your landlord is being difficult.
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is a legally required landlord confirmation form, mandated by §19 of the Bundesmeldegesetz. Its purpose is simple: your landlord confirms in writing that you have moved into the address on a specific date.
Without it, the Bürgeramt cannot register you. Your rental contract is not a substitute. A lease agreement, a key handover receipt, a bank statement showing rent payments — none of these replace it. The signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is the only document the Bürgeramt accepts.
What the form contains:your full name, your move-in date, the full address (street, house number, floor, flat number if applicable), and the landlord's or main tenant's signature.
The property owner or the property management company acting on their behalf. This is the standard case for most rental agreements.
If you are subletting a room or flat, the main tenant on the lease can sign — but only if the landlord has authorised the sublet. If the sublet is not authorised, the situation is legally complicated. See the section below.
Most landlords include this form in your move-in documents automatically — check your email and paperwork before doing anything else. If it is there, signed, you are done with this step.
If your landlord has not provided it, email them the blank template below and ask them to sign and return it before your Bürgeramt appointment. Do this in writing — email, not a phone call or WhatsApp message. If they later delay or deny it, your email is your proof that you asked.
This is the blank template. If you would like a version with your name, address, and move-in date already filled in, SimplyExpat generates it as part of the Anmeldung preparation.
Prepare my Anmeldung§19 BMG requires landlords to provide the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung within two weeks of your move-in. Refusal without a valid legal reason is a regulatory offence — the landlord faces a fine of up to €1,000. Inform your landlord of this in writing if they are stalling.
If a landlord refuses entirely and you cannot resolve it, contact the Berliner Mieterverein (Berlin Tenants' Association) or seek legal advice. In the meantime, attend the Bürgeramt and explain the situation — they may be able to advise on alternatives, though they cannot register you without the form.
If you are renting a room in a shared flat (WG), the main tenant on the lease can provide the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — provided the landlord has given written permission for the sublet.
Warning: If your main tenant says they cannot provide the form, this may indicate the sublet is not authorised by the building owner. This is a legal grey area. The Bürgeramt will usually still register you if you have other documentary evidence of residence — but get specific advice for your situation.
Most short-term accommodation — Airbnb, hotels, hostels — will not provide the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Some long-term serviced apartments (28+ days) do, but it varies. If registration timing matters to you, confirm whether the form will be provided before you book.
SimplyExpat handles the Anmeldeformular — all 54 fields in German, ready to print. You focus on getting your landlord to sign.
That anxiety? With SimplyExpat, it disappears.
Prepare My AnmeldungThis page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may change. Verify current requirements at berlin.de.