Hosting in Erlangen

This guide provides information for individuals hosting homes in Erlangen. Hosts must independently verify and comply with all relevant obligations. This article is for reference only and is not a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. For complex situations, contact the Erlangen Building Supervisory Office or a local advisor.

Short-Term Rental Regulations

Erlangen enforces rules stating that the use of residential spaces for purposes other than residential generally requires a permit. For vacation rentals, a permit is needed only if the residential space is rented to tourists for more than eight weeks per year. Residential space is defined as any space within city limits that is objectively suitable and subjectively intended for residential purposes, including corporate apartments, student housing, and residential homes.

Exceptions to the Permit Requirement

Without a permit, the following rules apply:

• You cannot use more than 50% of the floor space of any residential space for non-residential purposes, such as short-term rentals.

• Renting your entire home to guests is allowed for up to eight weeks per calendar year without a permit.

• Renting individual rooms within your own home is allowed as long as the rented space does not exceed 50% of your property’s floor space.

Permit Obligations

If you want to rent out more than 50% of your residence or your entire home for more than eight weeks per year, you must obtain a permit from the City of Erlangen. A permit can be granted if:

• Public interests or private interests worthy of protection outweigh the interest in preserving residential space.

• The public interest in preserving residential space is compensated, either through creating replacement residential space or via a payment.

Permit applications can be obtained from the City of Erlangen's website. The outcome of any permit application applies to legal successors or anyone taking possession of the space after the permit is granted.

For more information, consult the City of Erlangen’s official website.