Dortmund
You can read this article in German or English.
This article provides specific information about local laws that apply to people who host their homes in Aachen. Just like our country article for Germany, it’s your responsibility to verify and comply with any obligations that apply to you as a Host. This article can serve as a starting point or place you can come back to if you have questions but it isn’t exhaustive and it doesn’t constitute legal or tax advice. It’s a good idea to check to make sure laws and procedures are current.
Some of the laws that might affect you are complicated. Contact the City of Dortmund directly or consult a local advisor, such as an attorney or tax professional, if you have questions.
Regulations for rentals
Dortmund has regulations on short-term rentals which are designed to protect and preserve residential spaces. Check the city’s guidelines for more information. The rules came into force on 1 April 2022, following the Housing Protection Statute Dortmund (Satzung zum Schutz und Erhalt von Wohnraum in Dortmund) and the new housing framework under the NRW state-wide so-called Housing Strengthening Act.
An obligation to either show a registration number (Wohnraum ID) or your company details (legal imprint) applies:
Registration obligations
Since July 1, 2022, you have to display a registration number (“Wohnraum-Identitätsnummer”) online if you want to rent out a residential space on a short-term basis and are the tenant or owner. This rule applies irrespective of the amount of days per calendar year that you intend to rent out your residential space on a short-term basis. You can apply for a housing identity number via the online service at NRW construction portal.
Notification obligations
Hosts who rent out space on a short-term basis are obliged to report occupancies, no later than the 10th day after the rental has begun. This notification can be carried out via the online service through which you also received the housing identity number.
Commercial listings do not have to keep an occupancy calendar.
Obligations to display company details
You can choose to add your company details (imprint) instead of providing a registration number, if you host:
- a non-residential space
- a residential space long term (minimum of three months)
- a residential space short-term, if you are not the tenant or owner of the space
The option to add company details instead of providing a registration number, regularly applies to business owners, management companies, B&Bs, serviced apartments and hotels.
Instructions to enter your registration number or imprint on Airbnb
To enter your registration number or your imprint on Airbnb, please follow the following steps:
How to enter your registration number (Wohnraum ID) or company details (imprint):
- Log into your Airbnb account.
- Go to Manage listings and select the respective listing which requires a registration number
- Go to Policies and rules, then Laws and regulations and enter your registration number under Regulations
- Repeat this process for each additional listing
Tourist Tax
Tax Basis
The City of Dortmund implemented a Tourist Tax (“Beherbergungsabgabe”). Guests who book Airbnb listings that are located in Dortmund, Germany will pay the the Tourist Tax as part of their reservation. The tax is 7.5% of the listing price, excluding any cleaning fees for reservations in Dortmund, Germany. For detailed information, please contact the City of Dortmund or visit the the service portal the City provides for Hosts and guests.
Collection and payment
As of January 1, 2019, Airbnb automatically collects accommodation tax and pays it to the city on behalf of hosts when a guest books a listing in Dresden. The accommodation tax will be listed separately in the invoice and added to the total amount.