Income Limits for Tenants in Germany
Many tenants in Germany must check whether they meet income limits for subsidized housing or a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS). This is especially true for students with temporary jobs, BAföG or side income. This article clearly explains which proofs landlords or authorities expect, how students collect common documents and which deadlines to observe. I provide a practical checklist for WBS applications, examples of formal letters and clear steps to submit documents correctly. The guidance helps reduce uncertainty, avoid conflicts with the landlord and, if necessary, seek timely help from a local court or advisory office. I also explain which forms are relevant, how to list income correctly and the role of the Civil Code (BGB) and the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG).[1][2] At the end you will find a step-by-step guide for the application process and tips for contacting authorities.
What counts as income?
Counted income generally includes regular earnings such as salary, apprenticeship pay, BAföG portions, maintenance payments and certain one-off payments. For students it is important to present all income sources transparently and to separate time periods clearly (e.g., semester, internships, holiday jobs).
Typical proofs
- Pay slips for the last three months
- BAföG decision or scholarship confirmation
- Bank statements as proof of payments
- Decisions on child benefit, maintenance or social benefits
- Employer confirmation for temporary employment
Checklist: documents for students
Use this checklist before answering a WBS application or a landlord's request.
- Completed application form or sample cover letter
- Recent pay slips or internship payments
- BAföG or scholarship confirmation
- Copy of ID or enrollment certificate
- Relevant months' bank statements
Example: If the authority requests proofs for the last twelve months, include all relevant monthly statements, bank statements and decisions in chronological order. Mark on a cover sheet which items were one-off and which were recurring.
How do I apply for a WBS? (Overview)
The exact application is issued by the competent authority of your federal state; usually this is the housing promotion office or the citizen's office of your city. Submit the application form completely, attach the checklist documents and make an appointment if necessary. Observe deadlines and submit missing documents promptly.
Practical example
Anna, a student, submits her fully completed WBS application together with the last three pay slips, the BAföG decision and the enrollment certificate. She labels each page with her name and creates a cover sheet with an index. This allowed the authority to process the file quickly.
FAQ
- Do I automatically need a WBS as a student?
- No. A WBS is only necessary if you apply for subsidized housing or if a landlord requests it; income limits vary by apartment size and federal state.
- What deadline applies to submitting missing documents?
- Deadlines are set by the respective authority; submit missing documents within two weeks if no other deadline is specified.
- Which court can I contact if there is a dispute with the landlord about proofs?
- For tenancy disputes the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually competent in the first instance; precedent from the Federal Court of Justice may be relevant for legal questions.[3]
How-To
- Get an overview: check which incomes fall into the requested period.
- Collect proofs: pay slips, BAföG decision, bank statements and enrollment certificate.
- Fill out the application: complete the form from the housing promotion office or citizen's office.
- Submit: file documents in person, by post or online and keep the confirmation.
- If questions arise: contact the authority and submit missing documents within the stated deadline.
