Apply for WBS: Tenant Rights in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face the question of how to correctly apply for a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) for families or shared flats and which rights under tenancy law apply. This article explains step by step which requirements exist, which forms are necessary and how to successfully document your application. I describe practical examples for families and shared households, list deadlines, administrative contacts and typical hurdles during the application. I also explain which legal bases are relevant and how to proceed if an application is rejected or the landlord reacts differently. The goal is that you as a tenant in Germany clearly know which concrete steps are necessary.

What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS)?

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official document that entitles holders to live in certain subsidised apartments. It usually checks household size and income. The WBS is not a rental contract but the prerequisite to apply for subsidised housing. Municipal housing offices are responsible; legal bases for housing promotion are regulated in the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz.^[2]

Who is eligible?

In principle, households with low incomes and certain eligibility criteria have priority. For families, children and maintenance obligations count; for shared flats, the number of persons matters. The specific income limit varies by municipality and household size.

Typical requirements

• Identity card or passport (identity document)
• Proof of income (proof) for recent months
• Rental contract or registration (form) if available
• Proof of children or maintenance obligations (proof)

Important forms and templates

For the WBS you need the municipal WBS application form of your city or municipality. In addition, copies of the ID, payslips and proof of children are often required. For other tenancy matters (e.g. termination), a model termination letter from the Federal Ministry of Justice can be helpful. Examinations are also guided by the tenancy rules in the BGB and procedural rules of the ZPO if court disputes arise.^[1][3]

Apply: practical steps

1. Obtain the form (application) from the housing office or the municipal website.
2. Gather documents (proof): ID, payslips, rental contract, birth certificates.
3. Complete the application (form) fully and sign; missing fields delay processing.
4. Submit the application (deadline) in person, by post or online; request a receipt confirmation.

Practical example: family with two children

A family of four brings all payslips from the last three months and birth certificates to the office. They fill out the WBS form completely and receive confirmation of issuance after three weeks.

What to do in case of rejection or questions?

If the WBS is rejected, review the decision in writing and request a justification. In many cases, submitting missing documents can lead to a positive decision. In disputed cases, counselling at the municipal legal advice office or a direct discussion with the housing office can help. If necessary, legal action through the local court is possible; procedural rules of the ZPO then apply.^[3]

FAQ

Who pays the costs for the WBS?

Issuance of a WBS is usually free of charge; some municipalities may charge a small administrative fee; ask the housing office.

Can a shared flat use a single WBS?

Flatmates usually must be considered a common household or have separate entitlements; check the housing office rules.

How long is a WBS valid?

Validity varies by municipality, commonly 1 to 2 years; check with the issuing authority.

How-To

1. Download the form or collect it in person (application).
2. Prepare complete documents (proof): IDs, payslips, child documents.
3. Submit the application (form) and request confirmation of receipt.
4. Wait for the decision and provide additional documents if requested.

Key Takeaways

• The WBS grants access to subsidised housing for eligible tenants.
• Complete documentation and clear proof significantly increase success chances.
• Observe deadlines and always request confirmation of submissions.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• WBS application and information — service.berlin.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] WBS application and information — service.berlin.de