Avoid Tenant Mistakes in Allocation Process – Germany

As a tenant in Germany, the allocation process for social housing and applying for a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is often complex. Many tenants make small form mistakes, miss deadlines or submit incomplete proofs, which leads to delays or rejections. This text explains common errors in plain language, shows which official forms and proofs are important, and provides a practical checklist to tick off. You will learn how to meet deadlines, which documents local courts and housing offices expect, how to handle objections or enquiries practically and what points from tenancy law to note. The goal is to increase your chances of a fair allocation and to prepare legal steps.

Typical mistakes and why they harm

Frequent mistakes in the allocation process arise from missing or illegible documents, missed deadlines, incomplete income proofs or incorrect address details. Such errors often lead to enquiries, delays or rejection of the application. Legal points from tenancy law (BGB §§535–580a)^[1] provide the legal basis for tenant obligations and claims.

Practical checklist for tenants

• Include complete identity and income proofs (document).
• Observe deadlines and appointments, send applications on time (deadline).
• Fill in all forms correctly and do not forget signatures (form).
• Report defects or urgent repairs immediately and document them (repair).
• If rejected, check whether an objection or lawsuit is reasonable (court).
• Keep contact details for the housing office and landlord up to date (contact).
• Check entry and data protection agreements before allowing keys or access (entry).
• Create handover reports and secure photos at move-in and move-out (move-out).

Important official forms and templates

Key forms tenants should know include:

• Application for Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS): Local authorities provide forms, check income and household size and decide on eligibility.^[2]
• Termination letter (template): For timely terminations, check templates from the Federal Ministry of Justice or local forms and observe notice periods (termination template of BMJ).^[3]
• Defect notification / rent reduction: Document defects and send a written defect notice to the landlord; the legal basis is in the BGB.

Requirements for proofs and deadlines

Authorities usually require certified copies or machine-readable official documents. Submit pay slips, ID copies and tenancy agreements. Pay attention to deadlines stated in decisions and respond within the given time frames, otherwise you may lose rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS)?

The WBS is proof entitling you to move into certain subsidised flats; it is issued by municipal offices and depends on income and household size.^[2]

Which deadlines must I observe?

Deadlines vary: submission deadlines for applications, response deadlines for decisions and objection deadlines are important. Do not miss deadlines, otherwise rights can be lost.

Can I sue against a rejection?

Yes, in many cases an objection or lawsuit is possible. The local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent for tenancy disputes; procedural rules of the ZPO apply.

How-To

1. Collect all required documents and make copies (document).
2. Complete official forms, sign them and submit them on time (form, deadline).
3. Document defects with photos, include dates and send a written defect notice to the landlord (repair).
4. If rejected, prepare evidence and check deadlines for objection or court action before the competent local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Wohnberechtigungsschein – Berlin.de (practical info and application)
• Federal Ministry of Justice – information and templates

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) – Information and application — Berlin.de
3. [3] Federal Ministry of Justice – information and templates — BMJ
4. [4] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet