Housing Benefit for WG Tenants in Germany 2025

Many shared-flat tenants (WG tenants) in Germany are unsure whether and how they can apply for housing benefit. This guide clearly explains which requirements apply to shared-flat households in 2025, how income and room allocation are taken into account in the calculation, and which deadlines must be observed. You will learn which official forms are required, how to check decisions and respond securely in case of problems. The information is aimed at tenants without legal expertise and names the competent authorities, common application mistakes and practical examples for compiling documents. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, frequently asked questions and official contact points in Germany. If necessary, we also show when legal advice is advisable.

What WG tenants need to know in 2025

Housing benefit is a state benefit under the Housing Promotion Act (Wohngeld, WoFG) to partly support housing costs. For shared-flat households, joint economic activity is taken into account: the income of all eligible persons, the living space and the allocation of rooms affect the amount of the subsidy. Legal bases for tenancy relationships and the duties of landlords and tenants can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB) in §§ 535–580a.^[1][2]

Who is eligible and how is it calculated?

Basically, tenants, including WG members, can apply for housing benefit if their household size, total income and rent are within the legally set limits. In shared flats, a distinction is made whether it is a household community (joint household management) or roommates who manage finances separately; this affects the crediting of income and thus the subsidy amount.

Key factors

• The total income of all household members affects eligibility and the amount of housing benefit.
• The rent amount (net rent or including allocable operating costs) is a central calculation basis.
• Living area and room allocation can play a role in determining the chargeable rent.
• Deadlines: housing benefit is usually paid from the month of application, but observe late application rules.

Forms and evidence

For the application you usually need the completed housing benefit form, rental contract, proof of income (pay slips, certificates), bank statements and possibly evidence of special expenses. Many cities and districts provide a sample housing benefit application; use the form of your competent housing benefit office.^[4]

What to do in case of rejection or errors in the decision?

If the housing benefit notice seems incorrect or you see missed deadlines, first check the authority's reasoning. You can file an objection against a notice; for formal or substantive issues litigation at the competent local court is often possible. For tenancy disputes (e.g., about crediting rent or operating costs) the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent, with appeals to the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice for precedents.^[3]

Apply: Step by step

The concrete application procedure runs via the housing benefit office of your city or district. Personal submission, postal submission or increasingly digital procedures are possible. Use the local service office for the correct form and the current list of required documents.

FAQ

Who counts as part of the household for housing benefit in a shared flat?

Generally, the household includes all persons with joint household management; roommates who manage finances separately can be treated separately.

Can I apply for housing benefit retroactively?

Housing benefit is usually paid from the month of application; retroactive claims are rare and must be justified.

Which authority decides on housing benefit?

The respective municipal housing benefit office (city or district administration) decides on applications.

How-To

1. Obtain the form: Download the local housing benefit application form from your city website or get it from the housing benefit office.
2. Collect documents: Rental contract, current pay slips, bank statements and proofs of other income.
3. Fill in the application: Declare all incomes correctly and remember signatures.
4. Submit: Send or hand in the application and keep proof of receipt.
5. If rejected, react: File an objection in time or consider legal steps.

Key takeaways

• Wohngeld depends on household income, Mietkosten and household composition.
• Use local official forms and keep thorough documentation.
• Observe deadlines for application and for any objections.

Help and Support / Resources

• Wohngeld (WoFG) - Law text
• German Civil Code (BGB) - Tenancy sections
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - homepage

1. [1] Wohngeld (WoFG) - Gesetzestext
2. [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - Volltext
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof - Startseite
4. [4] Example: Housing benefit application (City of Berlin) - Service Berlin