Tenant Guide: Housing Benefit for WG in Germany

Many tenants in Germany living in shared flats (WGs) wonder if and how they can receive housing benefit. This article explains clearly who is entitled, which documents WG households need and which deadlines apply. I describe the main steps for the application, practical tips for splitting rent in a shared flat and how to avoid or document disputes. For legal basics I refer to the BGB and housing promotion law and to common application forms used by the housing benefit office.^[1][2] You will also find advice on how to divide housing benefit when disagreements arise among roommates or landlords, the role of the local court in disputes and when it makes sense to file an objection.^[3]

What counts as a WG household?

A shared flat is usually several people who share costs and live together. It depends on whether living arrangements indicate a common household. In practice, housing benefit offices look at shared use of kitchen and bathroom and registration details.

Who is eligible?

In general, tenants with low incomes can apply for housing benefit, including those living in a WG. Eligibility depends on income, gross cold rent and household size. For WGs, assessment often considers proportional rents or the total housing burden.

• People with low incomes whose rent exceeds set limits.
• Roommates who permanently live in the flat and declare their share.
• Apprentices, students or benefit recipients may also be eligible in certain cases.

How to apply for housing benefit

First collect required documents: rental contract or sublease agreements, income proofs for all household members, registration certificates and recent bank statements. Fill out the "housing benefit application" form and submit it to your responsible housing benefit office.^[1] If unsure about legal grounds, consult the housing promotion law.^[4]

Practical tips for splitting in a WG

Agree internally how rent and utilities are split. Keep written agreements so the housing benefit office can follow who pays which share. A clear breakdown of rent shares helps during approval.

FAQ

Can each person in a WG apply separately for housing benefit?

No. Often the household is assessed as a unit; it depends on living arrangements and cost division.

What deadlines apply for a housing benefit application?

File the application before gaps in payments; retroactive payments are limited. Respond promptly to requests from the housing benefit office.

What happens if there is a dispute about rent division in a WG?

Document payments and agreements in writing; for court disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible.^[3]

How-To

1. Check eligibility (household size, income, rent).
2. Gather documents: rental contract, income proofs, registration certificates and bank statements.
3. Complete the housing benefit form and attach copies of all proofs.^[1]
4. Submit the application to the responsible housing benefit office and note the date of receipt and contact person.
5. Answer authority questions promptly and provide additional documents if requested.

Help and Support / Resources

• Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB)
• German Civil Code (BGB) §535
• Housing benefit application (example: Service Berlin)

1. [1] Service Berlin: Housing benefit application
2. [2] Gesetze-im-Internet: BGB §535
3. [3] Gesetze-im-Internet: ZPO
4. [4] BMWSB: Information on housing benefit and housing promotion