Tenant Checklist WBS & Co-op in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, students often face specific questions: Do I need a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS), how does membership in a housing cooperative work, and which points should I check before signing the lease? This guide explains clearly which documents are important, how deadlines and termination rules in tenancy law work, and which official forms or authorities are involved. You will receive concrete sample letters for inquiries to landlords or cooperatives, a checklist before signing the contract, and information on authority contacts and court jurisdictions. This way you can decide informedly, avoid unnecessary costs and move into your new home securely. You will also learn how to report defects, use tenant rights in case of heating or water failure, and when the local court is responsible.
Checklist before signing
Before you sign a lease, check the following points systematically and keep evidence ready.
- Read all contract clauses carefully, especially duration, termination deadlines and special agreements.
- Compare the rent including operating costs with comparable offers in the area.
- Clarify the deposit: amount, repayment modalities and interest terms.
- Check the condition of the apartment (heating, sanitary, mold) and document defects with photos.
- Check whether membership or shares are required by cooperatives and what costs apply.
- Pay attention to deadlines for move-in, handover protocol and return of the apartment.
- Clarify whether a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is necessary and apply at the city administration if required.[3]
WBS, cooperative and your rights
A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) entitles you, according to regional rules, to occupy subsidized housing; details are governed by state and municipal authorities and the housing promotion act.[3] In cooperatives, members typically acquire shares; membership secures usage rights but may require an entry payment or ongoing contributions. Read the cooperative statutes and ask about termination periods, waiting lists and repayment conditions.
Defects, rent reduction and administrative routes
Landlords are obliged to maintain the property under tenancy law rules (see §§ 535–580a BGB).[1] Report defects in writing, document date and photos, and set a reasonable deadline for remediation. If there is no response, consider rent reduction or filing a complaint with the competent authority; court proceedings follow the Civil Procedure Code (ZPO).[2]
Sample letters (short examples)
The following short templates help when contacting a landlord or cooperative.
- Lease request: "Dear ..., please send me the full lease including the statement of additional costs."
- Defect report: "I hereby report the following defect... Please remedy by DD.MM.YYYY."
- WBS/question: "Please inform me about the WBS application and required documents for students."
What to do in case of termination or eviction?
Check termination deadlines precisely and respond immediately in writing. If an eviction claim is threatened, the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for tenancy disputes; further procedures are governed by the ZPO.[2]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a WBS and when do I need it?
- A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is proof of the right to occupy subsidized housing; eligibility and applications are regulated by state and municipal authorities according to the Housing Promotion Act.[3]
- How does membership in a housing cooperative work?
- Members acquire shares and usage rights. Check contribution amounts, repayment conditions and termination deadlines in the cooperative's statutes.
- What rights do I have for defects or heating failure?
- The landlord is obliged to maintain the property (§§ 535–536 BGB). Document defects, set deadlines and consider rent reduction or court action if necessary.[1]
How-To
- Collect all relevant documents: ID, enrollment certificate, previous leases and payment proofs.
- Apply for a WBS at your city administration in good time and submit all required proofs.[3]
- Send a formal inquiry to the landlord or cooperative with concrete questions about costs, deposit and handover date.
- Create a handover protocol on move-in and document defects with photos and dates.
Key Takeaways
- Check contract, costs and deadlines before signing.
- Documentation (photos, written correspondence) is essential for disputes.
- Use official forms and applications for WBS and municipal assistance.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
- [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – WBS
- [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
