Housing Benefit Checklist for Tenants in Germany 2025

As a tenant in retirement in Germany, it is important to check housing benefit and other rent supplements carefully so that housing costs in cities remain affordable. This guide explains in clear terms who is eligible for housing benefit, which documents and official forms are required, how to meet deadlines and which authorities or courts are responsible. We cover practical steps for applying in big cities, solutions for rent increases, notes on repairs and how to securely collect evidence such as the lease, pension notice and bank statements. The checklist helps you go through the process in a structured way and avoid pitfalls so that you quickly receive the support you are entitled to. Read on for practical action steps.

Who can apply for housing benefit?

• Pensioners with low total income (pensions, side income) and high housing costs.
• Persons with a small pension not sufficiently covered by social assistance.
• Tenants in city apartments with rented housing costs above the regional average.
• Households that can claim certain allowances or deductions (e.g. single parents, severely disabled).

Which documents and forms do you need?

Typical documents are the lease, recent heating and operating cost statements, pension notice, bank statements and proof of additional income. The official form is usually called "Application for Housing Benefit" and is provided by the municipality; many cities publish it online, for example via the Federal Government's website with links to municipal forms.

Practical example: using the form

Example: Mrs. S., 72, submits the "Application for Housing Benefit" to her city's housing benefit office, attaches the pension notice and the signed lease, and briefly explains why her housing costs are no longer affordable. The office may request additional documents if necessary and set a deadline for submission.

Deadlines, objections and legal steps

• Observe deadlines: objections to decisions usually must be filed within one month.
• In case of rejection, an objection or lawsuit at the competent local court (Amtsgericht) can be considered first.
• Document all deadlines, submissions and conversation notes as evidence.

FAQ

Who is eligible for housing benefit?

Households with insufficient income compared to reasonable housing costs are eligible; the amount depends on income, rent and household size.^[1]

How do I apply for housing benefit in a big city?

You submit the municipal "Application for Housing Benefit" to your city's housing benefit office in person, by post or online and provide all required evidence. Check deadlines and submit missing documents immediately.

How-To

1. Collect documents: lease, pension notice, bank statements, operating cost proofs.
2. Fill out the application form: use the municipal "Application for Housing Benefit" and complete it fully.
3. Submit the application: in person, by post or online to the housing benefit office; note the submission date.
4. Answer queries: quickly provide missing documents and observe deadlines.
5. If rejected: consider objection and possibly a lawsuit at the local court; seek legal advice.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
• Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG)
• Federal Government: information and municipal housing benefit applications

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – Wohngeldgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet – Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – jurisdictions and decisions