Housing Allowance for Retirees: Renters in Germany

Housing Allowance & Rent Subsidies 3 min read · published September 07, 2025

Many older renters in Germany do not know whether they are entitled to housing allowance or how housing allowance is calculated in a shared apartment (WG). This guide explains clearly and practically who as a retiree can apply for housing allowance, which documents are required, and how WG rules affect the application process. I describe step by step which forms are important, how to correctly declare income and rents, and which deadlines must be observed. You will also find advice on when it makes sense to speak with the authority or seek legal advice, as well as links to official authorities and courts in Germany. The goal is to enable you as a renter to apply for housing allowance quickly and with legal certainty.

Housing allowance and entitlement in retirement

Housing allowance is a subsidy for housing costs for people with low incomes. Retirees are considered renters under housing law, so they can apply for housing allowance under certain conditions. The basic rights and obligations regarding the tenancy are regulated in the German Civil Code (BGB), especially concerning landlord and tenant duties.[1]

In most regions, tenants are entitled to basic housing cost support.

Who can apply for housing allowance?

  • Retirees with low pension incomes who do not exceed the income and household limits.
  • Renters in a WG, if each household is assessed or considered proportionally.
  • People who have no entitlement to social benefits or whose social benefits do not fully cover housing costs.

For WGs it is important how the rental contracts are designed: Is there a joint rental contract or several individual contracts? This affects the calculation of assessable income and rent.

Check before applying how many parties are named on the rental contract.

Legal bases and courts

Important federal regulations on housing allowance and housing promotion are found in the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) and supplemented by the respective state implementation regulations.[2] In case of dispute about entitlement or calculation, local courts (Amtsgerichte) decide in the first instance; higher-instance precedents can reach the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).[3]

File objections and lawsuits within deadlines to avoid losing rights.

Forms, evidence and practical steps

For the housing allowance application you typically need: completed application form, proof of income (pension notice), tenancy agreement and proof of actual housing costs (operating cost statement). Many cities offer a sample "Application for Housing Allowance"; use the official form of your municipality.[4]

Example: application in a WG

Case example: Three seniors live in a WG with a joint rental contract. When applying, the residents should jointly state how the rent is divided. The authority then checks whether the shared flat is to be considered as a single household or separate households; this affects the amount of housing allowance.

Detailed documentation increases your chances of success in the calculation.

Which documents belong to the application?

  • Fully completed application form "Application for Housing Allowance" of the responsible municipality.
  • Pension notices and other income proofs for the last months.
  • Rental contract and statements for operating and heating costs.
  • Current contact details of applicants so that follow-up questions are possible.

Frequently asked questions

Can I receive housing allowance if I live in a WG?
Yes, generally possible; it depends on whether the WG counts as a shared household or as separate households and how the rent is divided.
What deadlines apply for objections against a decision?
Objection deadlines are stated in the decision; generally you must respond within one month. Check the decision carefully and act promptly.
Do I have to hire a lawyer if the authority rejects the application?
Not necessarily; often a written statement or an appointment at the authority helps first. In complex cases, legal advice may be useful.

How-To

  1. Gather all relevant documents: tenancy agreement, pension notice and operating cost statement.
  2. Check WG rules in your municipality and clarify how rent is calculated proportionally.
  3. Download the official application form of your city or municipality and complete it in full.
  4. Submit the application to the responsible housing office and note the date of receipt.
  5. Observe deadlines and respond promptly to inquiries or decisions.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
  2. [2] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) – gesetze-im-internet.de
  3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de
  4. [4] Application for Housing Allowance – Official forms of the City of Berlin

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Germany

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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