Moving with WBS: Tenant Proof & Tenancy Law in Germany

Many tenants in Germany plan a move into social housing or must show the landlord the Wohnberechtigungsschein. This checklist explains in plain language which documents you need, how to formally prove the WBS correctly and which deadlines and authorities in Germany are relevant. It contains practical tips for filling out the application, examples of income documents and household confirmations, and guidance on what to do in case of rejection or tenancy disputes before the local court. I name official forms, identify the competent courts and link to further state sources so you can prepare documents securely.

What is the WBS and who needs it?

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official certificate that allows low-income households access to subsidized housing. The exact income limits and calculation methods differ between federal states. Check early whether your household situation meets the requirements and collect the necessary proofs.

Checklist: Documents & Forms

• Income proofs (pay slips, Lohnabrechnungen) for all adult household members, usually the last 3 months.
• ID documents (identity card or passport) and registration certificate.
• Application for Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS application) or the respective state form^[1].
• Proofs of household size (birth certificates, marriage certificate).
• Proofs of special payments (child benefit, maintenance) and notices of social benefits.

Forms, templates and practical examples

Application forms: The central form is the "Application for Wohnberechtigungsschein" of the respective federal state. Example: In the WBS application you enter household composition and attach current pay slips. Submit the application to the responsible housing authority.^[1]

Termination and template letters: For communication with the landlord a clear termination letter or a formal inquiry helps. Templates follow the statutory requirements of the BGB; check deadlines and form requirements (§§ 535–580a BGB).^[2] Example: State calmly which documents you have submitted and by when you need a decision.

Deadlines, local court and legal steps

Deadlines: Submit the WBS application in good time before moving in; authorities may need weeks to months for processing depending on the federal state. If there are formal errors, the authority will request additional documents within a deadline. Observe these dates or your application may be rejected.

Courts: In disputes about entitlement or rejection, legal action can be taken at the local court (Amtsgericht); higher instances are the regional court and the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).^[3] Civil procedure rules (ZPO) apply to court cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a WBS?

Households entitled to subsidized housing; requirements and income limits vary by federal state.^[1]

Which documents are mandatory?

ID, registration certificate, income proofs and proof of household size are usually required.

What to do if the WBS is denied?

Check the reasons for denial, consider filing an objection and, if necessary, legal action at the local court.

How-To

1. Collect all documents: pay slips, IDs and household confirmations.
2. Complete the WBS application and check all entries carefully (form).
3. Submit the application to the responsible authority and note the confirmation of receipt.
4. Watch deadlines: respond to requests for further documents in time.
5. If denied, consider objection or court action and seek legal advice if needed.
6. After approval: prepare move-in documents and sign the tenancy agreement.

Help & Support / Resources

• Service Berlin - Apply for Wohnberechtigungsschein
• Gesetze im Internet - German Civil Code (BGB)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

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1. [1] Service Berlin - Apply for Wohnberechtigungsschein
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet - German Civil Code (BGB)
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH)