Housing Allowance Calculator for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in Germany, it is often unclear whether and how much housing allowance (Wohngeld) is available to help with rent. This guide explains in plain terms how the housing allowance calculator works, which documents you need and which mistakes to avoid when applying. You will receive concrete notes on calculation, examples for typical income situations and a sample letter for proofs. We also describe the application process, deadlines and which courts or authorities are competent in the event of a dispute. The aim is to give you, as a tenant, clear steps so you can check your entitlement and appear at the office with complete documents. We list official forms and the relevant sections of the BGB and explain how to meet deadlines.

How the housing allowance calculator works

The housing allowance calculator gives an initial indication of whether and to what extent housing allowance is possible. It takes into account household size, total income and the amount of gross cold rent. The result is provisional and does not replace the official decision; the final check is carried out by the housing allowance office of your municipality. Calculate conservatively and prepare all receipts so the authority can examine your application. For questions on the legal basis see BGB and WoFG provisions^[1][2].

Which documents do you need?

• Pay slips for the last three months (pay stubs)
• Rental contract (rental contract, document) as a copy
• Proofs of paid rent (rent payments) such as transfer receipts
• Identity card or residence permit (ID document)
• Proofs of heating and operating costs (heating costs, payment)
• Completed housing allowance application form (form) of your municipality

Sample letter for proofs

If the housing allowance office requests proofs, a short sample letter helps to meet deadlines and submit the requested documents in a structured way. Example text: "I hereby submit the requested pay slips (period: MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY) and a copy of the rental contract. Sincerely, Firstname Lastname." Adapt the letter and include copies; send originals only upon request.

Application process

1. First use the housing allowance calculator (form) for a pre-check.
2. Obtain the housing allowance application form from your municipality (form) and review the checklist of documents.
3. Fill out the form completely and attach copies of the documents (form).
4. Submit the application in person, by post or electronically to your housing allowance office (submit, form).
5. Check the decision and, if rejected, contact the housing allowance office or consider objection/litigation before the local court.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Submitting incomplete documents leads to delays.
• Missing deadlines: respond promptly to requests from the housing allowance office.
• Sending originals instead of copies can cause loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for housing allowance?

Tenants with low total income and owners of small owner-occupied flats can apply; the local housing allowance office decides.

What deadlines apply?

There is no uniform deadline for an initial application, but you should respond quickly to requests from the housing allowance office; otherwise the application may be rejected.

What can I do if the application is rejected?

Check the rejection notice, file an objection or consider litigation before the competent local court; inform yourself about formal steps.

How-To

1. Step 1: Do a preliminary calculation with the housing allowance calculator (form).
2. Step 2: Gather all required documents and copies (form).
3. Step 3: Complete the housing allowance application form correctly and sign it (form).
4. Step 4: Submit the application to the housing allowance office and document the submission (submit, form).
5. Step 5: Check the decision and act promptly in case of rejection (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – Gesetze im Internet
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions and guidance

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – §§535–580a (gesetze-im-internet.de)
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – Wohngeld provisions (gesetze-im-internet.de)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law (bundesgerichtshof.de)