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When relocating employees with pets, HR teams often use Airbnb for short stays before long-term housing is arranged. Securing written confirmation for the Wohngeberbestätigung (WGB) from the host protects both the company and the employee. Verbal assurances can lead to issues during residence registration in Germany.
Temporary Accommodation Support (Wohngeberbestätigung - WGB) for U.S. Employees Relocating to Germany
The Question
The Answer
Verbal confirmation is not sufficient. The HR team should advise the employee to obtain a written confirmation from the Airbnb host through the platform before finalizing the booking to ensure the WGB can be relied upon for residence registration.
Written acknowledgement for Pet Friendly Accomodations
Context & Background: The Challenge
An employee relocating from the U.S. with two dogs needed a one- to two-month Airbnb stay. While several hosts verbally confirmed they could provide the WGB, there was uncertainty about whether this verbal agreement was sufficient for official registration purposes.
Jobbatical’s Approach
Jobbatical recommends always obtaining a written confirmation of WGB provision through the Airbnb platform before booking. The written statement ensures legal proof for residence registration and avoids last-minute complications.
The Outcome
Getting written confirmation in advance ensures that the host’s agreement can be validated by local authorities. Without it, the employee might face delays or be unable to register their temporary address—potentially affecting residence or tax registration timelines.
Employer or Talent Steps
- Confirm with the host in writing (via Airbnb messages or email) that they will issue the WGB.
- Save a copy of the confirmation as documentation for registration.
- Include the address and host details in the relocation documentation shared with Jobbatical or the local registration office.
Key Learnings
- Always secure written WGB confirmation; verbal assurances are insufficient.
- Airbnb messages can serve as written proof.
- Early confirmation prevents residence registration delays.
- HR teams should provide employees with checklists for temporary stays.
This covers the following use cases:
- How can HR teams ensure Airbnb hosts provide a valid Wohngeberbestätigung (WGB) for employee relocations?
- What proof should employees request from Airbnb hosts when relocating with pets to Germany?
- Is a verbal confirmation of Wohngeberbestätigung from an Airbnb host sufficient for registration?
- What steps should companies take to confirm short-term housing arrangements for relocating employees?
- Can Airbnb written confirmation be used for residence registration during employee relocation to Germany?
- How should HR advise employees booking short-term pet-friendly accommodation for relocation purposes?
- What documentation do hosts need to provide to support residence registration for temporary tenants?
- How can employers verify that an Airbnb host will provide a WGB before relocation?
- Why is written confirmation from Airbnb hosts important for relocation compliance in Germany?
- What are the potential risks of relying on verbal confirmation for WGB in temporary stays?
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