Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung: do you have a right to it?
Whether your old landlord has to confirm that you owe no rent, and what works just as well if they will not.
You only have a right to a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung (landlord's confirmation that you owe no rent) if your lease says so. You do have a right to a receipt for rent you have paid, and bank statements prove every payment just as well.
How to prove you paid your rent
Most new landlords only want to see that you paid your rent. You can show that in several ways.
- 1
Start with your bank statements
Put together your bank statements for the last 12 months.
- 2
Fill gaps with a receipt
If something is missing, ask your landlord for a receipt for the rent you paid. You have a right to one.
- 3
You do not have to show the certificate
A new landlord can ask for the certificate, but you do not have to show it.
- 4
If you want the certificate, ask early
Ask your old landlord for the certificate early and politely. Ideally, bring a ready-made form that they only have to sign.
- 5
What the certificate costs
The certificate usually costs around 15 to 30 euros. The law sets no cap on the fee.
- 6
Share only the SCHUFA credit summary
Hand over only the Bonitätsauskunft (credit summary), which is meant for this purpose. Never hand over the full SCHUFA-Selbstauskunft.
Why this matters
Under § 368 BGB, the landlord must give you a written receipt for rent you have paid if you ask for one. The Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung is different. The landlord issues it voluntarily unless your lease says otherwise.
General information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to show a new landlord a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung?
No, you do not have to show a new landlord a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung, although they can ask for it. Most landlords accept bank statements or receipts.
What does a Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung cost?
A Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung usually costs around 15 to 30 euros, and sometimes up to about 50 euros in popular areas, because the law sets no cap. If you bring a ready-made form, you can often avoid the fee or keep it small.
What is the difference between the certificate and a Mietquittung (rent receipt)?
A Mietquittung under § 368 BGB confirms one specific payment. The certificate confirms that you owe no rent at all. You have a right to the receipt, but not to the certificate.
Also in this topic: Eigenbedarfskündigung: what tenants can doLeaving your lease early in Germany: NachmieterCO₂ costs: does the landlord pay too? (CO2KostAufG 2026)All guides: More
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