Check WBS Income Limits for Tenants in Germany

As a tenant in Germany you want to know if you are eligible for social housing and a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS). This guide explains in plain language how to check income limits, which documents your city or municipality requires and what special rules apply for students and shared flats. I provide practical steps, a short checklist and sample forms so you can prepare applications correctly and meet deadlines. The guidance helps you avoid common mistakes and increase your chances of obtaining a WBS without legal jargon. At the end you will find official forms and information about municipal responsibilities as well as practical tips on proving income and rent amounts.

Was ist ein WBS?

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official document that regulates access to subsidized housing. Eligibility and allocation are governed by the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)^[2] and supplementary state rules. For tenants, the WBS is often a prerequisite to rent certain social housing; it confirms that the household income does not exceed the prescribed income limits.

Einkommensgrenzen prüfen

The applicable income limits depend on household size, federal state and type of subsidy. Consider countable income and allowances and compare them with the published limits of your municipality. Often gross annual incomes of all household members are decisive, while certain social benefits remain non-countable.

• Calculate income: add gross annual incomes and check countable items.
• Collect documents: pay slips, certificates of BaföG or social benefits and rent proofs.
• Prepare application: complete the form and attach all supporting documents.
• Observe deadlines: plan application deadlines and municipal processing times.

Antrag & Formulare

The typical form is called "Application for the Issuance of a Wohnberechtigungsschein". Exact titles and reference numbers vary by municipality; many cities offer the application online as a PDF. Example: the City of Berlin's online page leads to the WBS application and explains submission^[3]. Usually you attach income proofs (pay slips, tax assessments), registration certificate and, if applicable, proof of social benefits.

Zuständigkeiten und Verfahren

The issuance of the WBS is handled by the responsible housing authority or social office of the municipality. In case of dispute over rejection or incorrect calculation, the local administration is usually the first contact; tenancy disputes (e.g., rent payments or terminations) are governed by the Civil Code (BGB) and, if necessary, the local court as first judicial instance^[1].

FAQ

Who is eligible for a WBS?

Households whose countable income does not exceed the municipal income limits are eligible; exact values and household definitions depend on the state.

Which documents must I submit?

Typical documents are pay slips, tax assessments, registration certificate and proofs of social benefits; the municipality lists required attachments on the form.

How long is a WBS valid?

Validity usually ranges from one to three years, depending on municipal regulations.

Anleitung

1. Check your household net income based on the municipal income limits.
2. Gather complete proofs: pay slips, registration certificate and, if applicable, BaföG or social benefit notices.
3. Fill out the application for a WBS and attach all documents.
4. Submit the application to the responsible office and request confirmation of receipt.

Kernaussagen

• The WBS checks eligibility for subsidized housing.
• Complete proofs speed up processing.
• Observe processing times and possible validity periods.

Hilfe und Unterstützung / Ressourcen

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• WBS application example – service.berlin.de

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Service Berlin – Antrag auf Erteilung eines Wohnberechtigungsscheins