Housing Allowance for Senior Tenants in Germany

Many retirees today live in shared flats to split costs, and housing allowance can help secure rent. This article explains clearly for tenants in Germany how seniors in a shared flat can apply for housing allowance digitally, what the requirements are, and which documents are typically needed. You will learn who is eligible, how income and rent are taken into account, and which deadlines you should observe. I also show step by step how to fill out forms and submit them to the responsible housing allowance office. The aim is to give you, as a tenant, practical actions so that an application is processed quickly and correctly. Read on for concrete examples and a template for filling out.

Who can receive housing allowance in a shared flat?

Tenants of retirement age can generally apply for housing allowance even if they live in a shared flat. The decisive factors are the living situation, the shared household arrangement, and whether the roommates manage finances separately. The rules on eligibility are set out in the Housing Allowance Act (WoFG).^[2]

Calculation of housing allowance: which factors matter?

For the calculation, income, eligible rent and household size are considered. For seniors in shared flats, it is examined which income is attributable to the individual tenant and how shared costs are allocated. The legal bases for the calculation are in the WoFG; additional tenancy law obligations are in the BGB (§§ 535–580a).^[2][1]

Important forms and a practical example

The central form is the "Wohngeldantrag" (housing allowance application) of the responsible housing allowance office. Many municipalities offer a digital application form; the Federal Ministry for Housing provides further guidance and links to authorities.

Forms and typical proofs (examples):

• Completed housing allowance application form (form)
• ID card or registration certificate (document)
• Proofs of income: pension, supplementary benefits, bank statements (rent)
• Tenancy agreement and proof of paid rent (rent)
• Declaration on household arrangements in the shared flat (form)

Practical example: Mrs. K., 78, lives with two roommates in a senior shared flat. She pays a share of rent and utilities. For the application she lists her pension, the shared rent in the tenancy agreement and a short declaration about household arrangements. The housing allowance office then reviews the individual entitlement.

Submitting the application: step by step

Many cities now allow digital submission. Pay attention to deadlines and the option to submit missing documents within a given period.

• Download or open the form online (form)
• Gather documents: ID, pension notice, tenancy agreement, bank statements (document)
• Fill in the application and sign it, check electronic signature for digital submissions (form)
• Submit the application on time and keep the confirmation of receipt (calendar|deadline)

What to do if the application is denied or you face problems?

If the application is denied, you will receive a decision with instructions on legal remedies. You can file an objection or, if necessary, consider legal action at the local court; for important tenancy law matters, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice are also relevant.^[3][1]

FAQ

Can I receive housing allowance if I live in a shared flat?

Yes, generally possible — the decisive factor is your financial situation and how the household is organised; the housing allowance office examines each case individually.

Which documents do I need at minimum for the application?

At minimum: ID, pension notice, tenancy agreement and bank statements or proof of rent payments.

Is there a digital submission option?

Many municipalities offer online forms; check your housing allowance office's website or the Federal Ministry's guidance.

How-To

1. Download or open the housing allowance application (form).
2. Collect all proofs: ID, pension notice, tenancy agreement, bank statements (document).
3. Complete the application, sign by hand or use digital signature (form).
4. Submit the application and keep the confirmation; observe deadlines (calendar|deadline).
5. Contact the housing allowance office directly for queries and submit missing documents (call).

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building – Housing allowance information
• Laws in the Internet – Housing Allowance Act (WoFG)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – official site

1. [1] Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Housing Allowance Act (WoFG) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — official website