Moving with WBS: Tenant Rights in Germany
A move with a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) places specific demands on many tenants in Germany: barrier-free preparation, checking deadlines and finding suitable social housing. This guide explains in plain language what rights and duties you have as a tenant, which official forms and proofs are required, and how to raise accessibility when renting a new flat or requesting adaptations. You will receive clear action steps for applications, communicating with the landlord and in case repairs or refusals cause disputes. Practical tips help you meet deadlines, secure evidence and find responsible authorities or courts. The goal is to make the move safe, legally secure and as stress-free as possible for everyone involved. Also read the linked official sources for applications.
What is the WBS and who is eligible?
The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is a certificate tenants need to access subsidized social housing. Local housing offices of municipalities are responsible; eligibility criteria and income limits vary by federal state.[2]
Rights and obligations for a barrier-free move
Tenant rights and landlord obligations in rental relationships are regulated in the German Civil Code (BGB); important paragraphs on duties and maintenance can be found in §§ 535–580a.[1] For accessibility issues, municipal funding programs and housing promotion law also apply.
- Check deadlines and give notice in time.
- Notify the landlord in writing about accessibility needs and conversion requests.
- Only reduce rent for defects after documentation and setting a deadline.
- Collect evidence: photos, emails, witnesses and cost estimates.
Forms and administrative steps
Important documents and forms tenants should know about:
- WBS application at the responsible housing office (submission and requirements are local to the office).
- Termination letter: the notice must be in writing and observe formal requirements under the BGB.
- Application for housing adaptation or subsidy for accessibility (forms vary by municipality).
Examples: The WBS application usually requires name, income, household members and proofs such as pay slips or benefit notices; a termination letter must include a signature and address details. For legal bases see housing promotion law and federal statutes.[2][1]
What to do in case of disputes or refused adaptations?
First try to reach a written agreement with the landlord and set deadlines for necessary repairs or adaptations. If no agreement is reached, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent for tenancy disputes; on appeal, matters go to the Landgericht and possibly the Federal Court of Justice.[3]
- Send a written defect notice to the landlord and set a response deadline.
- Secure evidence: photos, estimates and communication records.
- If necessary, file a claim at the competent local court.
FAQ
- Do I always need a WBS for social housing?
- Not always; the WBS is a requirement for certain subsidized apartments. Check local rules with the housing office.
- Who pays for barrier-free adaptations?
- Tenants often arrange small changes themselves; larger structural measures may be the landlord's responsibility if they fall under maintenance obligations.
- Who do I contact in a tenancy dispute?
- Tenancy disputes are usually heard at the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the Landgericht and possibly to the Federal Court of Justice.
How-To
- Check your eligibility for a WBS and collect the necessary documents.
- Search for barrier-free listings or discuss adaptation options with the landlord.
- Submit the WBS application to the housing office with supporting documents.
- Inform the landlord in writing about required adaptations and set deadlines.
- Document defects and communication, prepare a claim at the local court if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB: Civil Code §535 ff. (Tenancy law)
- WoFG: Housing Promotion Act (WBS regulations)
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Official website
