Digital Appeal for Housing Benefit for Tenants in Germany

File a digital appeal

If your housing benefit application was denied, you as a tenant in Germany can file a digital appeal with the responsible housing benefit office. This section explains when an appeal makes sense, which deadlines apply, and which documents you should prepare systematically. State the reasons briefly in the appeal and attach the most important evidence; for tenancy-related disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) remains relevant if a civil dispute arises later.^[1]

Which documents you need

Prepare the following proofs in an ordered way so the housing benefit office can review your appeal quickly:

• Lease agreement (document) – current and signed pages.
• Income proofs (document) – payslips or pension notices for the last three months.
• Bank statements (document) – relevant transactions for the last three months.
• Proofs of rent or utility payments (document) – receipts or transfer records.

Step-by-step: Practical

Follow these steps when submitting your appeal digitally:

1. Check the deadline (deadline) – verify the appeal deadline on the notice and note the date.
2. Collect documents (document) – prepare lease, income proofs and bank statements.
3. Write the appeal (form) – concise, factual, with concrete references to the denial.
4. Submit digitally (submit) – use your municipality's online portal or send by e-mail to the housing benefit office.
5. Secure submission receipts (evidence) – save confirmations as proof.
6. Plan next steps (court) – if the appeal is rejected, clarify deadlines for lawsuits or court actions.

FAQ

How long do I have to file an appeal?

Generally you must file the appeal within the deadline stated on the decision; often this deadline is one month after receipt. Check the decision carefully.

To whom do I send the digital appeal?

Send the appeal to the housing benefit office named in the decision; many cities offer an online portal or an e-mail address.

Which documents are mandatory?

Mandatory documents usually include the lease, current income proofs, bank statements and receipts for previous payments; also include a short justification and your contact details.

How-To

Concrete instructions for digital submission:

1. Note the deadline (deadline) – copy the date from the decision.
2. Scan documents (document) – save lease, income proofs and bank statements as PDFs or clear images.
3. Formulate the appeal (form) – write a short factual justification with date and signature.
4. Submit online (submit) – upload appeal and attachments to the housing benefit office portal or send by e-mail.
5. Secure confirmation of receipt (contact) – save any confirmation as proof of timely submission.

Key takeaways

• Observe and document deadlines to avoid losing legal rights.
• Complete evidence improves the chance of a successful appeal.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a: Tenancy law
• Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG) – Legal text
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Court procedures
3. [3] Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG) – Regulations and responsibilities
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law on tenancy