Proving Tenant Income Limits in Germany

Many tenants in Germany look for clear guidance on how families can prove income limits for social housing and the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS). This guide explains step by step which documents are commonly required (pay slips, certificates, tenancy agreements), how income is aggregated, which deadlines and reporting routes matter, and which authorities affected people can contact. The language remains practical and avoids legal jargon so that you as a tenant can quickly check whether you may claim subsidized housing and which next steps are sensible. I also explain how self-employed people and families with fluctuating income can document their earnings, when estimates are possible and how to appeal if an authority rejects your application. At the end you will find frequently asked questions, a step-by-step application guide and official contacts you can reach.

What is the WBS and who counts as a family?

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official document that permits eligible households access to subsidized housing. Tenancy law in the BGB regulates landlord-tenant relations; the allocation and conditions for subsidized housing are mainly governed by the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)^[1][2].

Which documents do tenant families need?

• Income evidence (income): pay slips or salary statements for the last three months.
• Tax and social benefit records (document): tax assessment, child benefit notice or unemployment benefit notice.
• Tenancy agreement and registration certificate (document): current lease, registration confirmation and IDs of all household members.
• Bank statements and payment receipts (document): bank statements or proof of regular payments.
• Forms for self-employed applicants (application): profit-and-loss statement, VAT return or income tax assessment.

How is income calculated?

To determine the income limit, the incomes of all persons in the household are usually aggregated. This includes wages, pensions, child-related benefits and, for the self-employed, calculated profit. Allowances and flat-rate deductions can vary by program and federal state; exact calculation methods differ according to the WoFG^[2]. As a practical example: for fluctuating income, an average over the last 12 months plus current documents is often used.

If your application is rejected

If a WBS application is rejected, check the reasons and the deadlines stated in the decision. You can file an objection or bring an action; for court steps the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent and procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[3].

• File an objection (within 4 weeks): submit a written explanation within the deadline.
• Contact the housing office (contact): request a detailed reasoning of the rejection.
• File suit at the local court (court): if the objection fails, consider litigation.

FAQ

Who is eligible for a WBS?

Eligibility is for households whose income is below limits set by the respective state or municipality; definitions and limits vary regionally.

What deadlines apply?

Appeal deadlines are stated in the decision; objections are often required within four weeks, litigation follows ZPO rules.

Which authority should I contact?

Your local housing office or municipal housing promotion authority is the first contact; in disputes the local court is responsible.

How-To

1. Gather documents (document): pay slips, tax assessments, lease and IDs of all household members.
2. Complete the form (application): fill in the municipal application form completely.
3. Submit the application (contact): hand in the application in person, by post or electronically to the housing office.
4. Wait for decision (within): observe processing times and respond to requests for additional documents.
5. If rejected, respond (court): file an objection and consider court action at the local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] Gesetze im Internet - Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• [2] Gesetze im Internet - Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
• [3] Gesetze im Internet - Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)

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1. [1] Gesetze im Internet - Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet - Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Gesetze im Internet - Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)