What it is
The Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung (rent debt-free certificate) is a one-page confirmation from your current or previous landlord that you have no outstanding rent. New landlords ask for it because it is the most direct evidence that you pay reliably.
Our template creates the German form pre-filled with your details. Your landlord only needs to check it, sign it and send it back.
How to get it from your landlord
- Generate the pre-filled German certificate.
- Send it to your landlord or property manager with a short, friendly request.
- Give them a reasonable deadline, for example one or two weeks.
Whether a landlord is legally obliged to issue this certificate is disputed and generally not assumed, but a pre-filled form makes it much easier for them to say yes. If they still refuse, ask for a simple confirmation of your rent payments (Mietzahlungsbestätigung), which serves a similar purpose.
Never rented in Germany? Alternatives
If this is your first flat in Germany, you simply cannot provide this certificate. Say so in your letter and offer alternatives instead:
- A reference from your landlord abroad, in English is fine, ideally with contact details.
- Bank statements showing regular rent payments over the last months, with unrelated transactions blacked out.
- A letter from your WG (flatshare) main tenant or temporary housing provider confirming you paid on time.
- Strong proof of income and, if that is weak, a guarantor.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung mean in English?
Literally "certificate of freedom from rent debts". In practice: a confirmation from your landlord that you have no rent arrears.
Is my landlord obliged to give me one?
That is legally unclear and generally not assumed. Most landlords cooperate if you ask politely and provide a pre-filled form.
I lived in a sublet or WG. Does that count?
Yes. The person you paid rent to, often the main tenant, can confirm your payments. It is not identical to a landlord certificate, but it is far better than nothing.
Will a certificate in English be accepted?
A reference from a landlord abroad will naturally be in English or another language, and many landlords accept that. For German landlords, use the German template.