Anyone who wants to rent out their apartment in Berlin as an Airbnb faces legal challenges. Here you can find out everything about permits and regulations.

Renting out Airbnb in Berlin: Approval, Rules & Tips 2025

Berlin is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations and offers landlords great opportunities for short-term rentals. But the capital also has some of the strictest regulations for Airbnb rentals in Germany. In this guide, you'll learn everything about permits, legal requirements and practical tips for 2025.

The Berlin Misappropriation Ordinance

The Misappropriation Act (ZwVbG) regulates the use of living space as a holiday home in Berlin. The aim is to protect scarce living space from misuse of purpose.

Basic principle: Living space must be used for living

The most important rule: apartments should be used primarily for living, not as commercial holiday homes.

When is short-term rental allowed?

1. Primary residence rule

You may temporarily rent out your main apartment to tourists if:

•You are registered there yourself

•You mostly live in the apartment yourself

•The rental is only occasional

2. Second homes

For second homes, you need a paid permit from the responsible district office.

3. Single room

Renting out individual rooms in your main apartment is generally allowed.

Login and registration

Registration requirement

Every holiday apartment in Berlin must be registered with the competent authority. You will receive a registration number, which must be entered in all listings.

Documents required:

•ID card or passport

•Proof of ownership or rental agreement

•Floor plan of the apartment

•For rental apartments: consent of the landlord

•Registration certificate as proof of main residence

Registration costs:

•Main apartment: free

•Second home: 150-300 euros permit fee

Processing time:

•Registration: 4-8 weeks

•Approval: 8-16 weeks

Second home permit

If you want to rent out a second home as a holiday home, you need a permit. This is only granted if:

•The apartment was already used as a holiday home before 2014

•There is a particular reason for urban planning

•The apartment is located in an area with low housing scarcity

Important: New permits for second homes are issued very restrictively.

Penalties for violations

Berlin is actively monitoring and imposing heavy fines:

•Rental without registration: up to 100,000 euros

•False information: up to 50,000 euros

•Repeat offenders: even higher penalties

Practical tips for 2025

1. Legally secure registration

•Get professional advice

•Submit complete documentation

•Document all steps

2. Correct ad creation

•Always provide a registration number

•Honest description of the apartment

•No misleading information

3. Documentation

•Keep a record of rentals

•Document guest data

•Save all receipts

4. Tax aspects

•Report income correctly

•Use deductible costs

•Get tax advice

District-specific differences

Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Pankow

These districts have particularly strict controls and barely issue any new permits.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Steglitz-Zehlendorf

The regulations here are a bit more relaxed but still strict.

Outskirts

Permits are more possible in peripheral areas, but tourist demand is lower.

Future prospects 2025

Strengthening controls

Berlin is planning further tightening:

•Automated platform monitoring

•Higher fines

•More on-site checks

New developments

•Digital registration procedures

•Improved collaboration with platforms

•Possible quota of permits

Why professional help makes sense

Berlin regulations are complex and change regularly. Mistakes can be expensive. Professional support from Arbio offers:

Legal certainty

•Correct registration with authorities

•Monitoring legislative changes

•Professional advice

Saving time

•Taking over all administrative procedures

•Complete documentation

•Ongoing management

Optimization

•Maximize revenue

•Professional guest service

•Dynamic pricing

Avoid common mistakes

1. Rental without registration

Never rent without proper registration.

2. False information

All information must be true.

3. Exceeding borders

Do not rent out for commercial purposes in the case of main apartments.

4. Lack of documentation

Properly document all rentals.

Alternatives to classic Airbnb rentals

If approval is not possible:

•Long term rental (from 30 days)

•Sublet individual rooms

•Rental to business travelers

•Cooperation with hotels

Conclusion

Airbnb rental in Berlin is possible in 2025, but is subject to strict conditions. A legally secure registration is essential and compliance with all regulations must be ensured.

With professional support, you can still successfully and legally rent out in Berlin. Arbio helps you with every step of the way — from registration to daily administration.

Contact us for a free consultation and find out how you can rent out your Berlin property as a legally secure and profitable holiday home!