Avoid Occupancy Errors: Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, formal mistakes in the occupancy declaration can jeopardize access to social housing or your housing entitlement certificate (WBS). This guide explains clearly and practically which details are often filled in incorrectly, which official forms you need and which deadlines and supporting documents you must observe. I show step by step how to prepare barrier-free evidence correctly, document receipts and, if necessary, file an objection or contact the competent local court. The goal is to avoid mistakes, protect your rights as a tenant and make the process more transparent — without legal jargon.

Common Problems

• Missing or incomplete documents, such as the rental contract or registration certificate.
• Missed deadlines (deadline) for reporting or submitting documents.
• Incorrectly or incompletely filled forms.
• Insufficient proof for barrier-free needs.
• Outstanding payments or deposits that can lead to complications.

Step by Step: How to Submit Barrier-Free

1. Check your WBS eligibility and review the regional requirements (WBS) ^[3].
2. Gather proofs: rental contract, registration certificate, medical certificates or cost estimates for adaptations.
3. Complete the official form in full and sign it (form name: application for housing entitlement or local WBS forms).
4. Submit documents on time and request a confirmation of receipt.
5. Keep copies and receipts; document date, recipient and submission method.
6. In case of dispute: consider legal steps at the local court; proceedings follow the ZPO ^[2] and tenancy rules in the BGB ^[1].

FAQ

Who must report an occupancy charge?

Tenants using social housing or holding a WBS whose use no longer meets the requirements.

Which forms do I need?

Depending on the federal state, the local application for a housing entitlement certificate (WBS) and supporting documents such as the rental contract, registration certificate and possibly medical certificates.

What happens if I miss a deadline?

Authorities may impose fees or demand repayments; for legal actions the local court is responsible ^[2].

How-To

1. Get an overview: check eligibility and deadlines.
2. Collect documents: rental contract, registration certificate, proofs for accessibility needs.
3. Fill out the form: complete and sign the official application.
4. Submit: by registered post, online portal or in person; request confirmation of receipt.
5. If problems arise: contact the responsible authority or seek legal advice.

Key Takeaways

• Early checks and complete paperwork prevent most mistakes.
• Always document dates, recipients and how you transmitted documents.

Help and Support / Resources

• Hotline & Info: BGB – Civil Code (extract)
• Hotline & Info: ZPO – Code of Civil Procedure
• Hotline & Info: WoFG – Housing Promotion Act (WBS)

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet: Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)