Tenant Tips: WBS for Students in Germany

Many students in Germany urgently seek social housing and must apply for a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS). As a tenant or prospective tenant, it is important to know which documents, deadlines and administrative steps can speed up the allocation process. This guide explains in plain language which forms are needed, how to prepare your application completely and which proofs are commonly required. You will also find practical advice on contacting the housing office, documenting your need and possible exceptions for students with low income. The goal is to give you concrete steps to increase your chances of finding a suitable social flat in Germany.

What is the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) and who is entitled?

The WBS is a certificate that proves entitlement to subsidized housing. Eligibility rules and income limits are set out in the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG).^[3] As a tenant you should check whether your income, household composition and special needs (e.g., students with a side job and low income) meet the requirements.

How students can accelerate the allocation process

Preparation: Documents and proofs

• Complete application forms (application for issuance of a WBS at the responsible housing office)
• Income proofs for recent months (pay slips, BAföG decisions, scholarship confirmations)
• ID card or registration certificate and enrollment certificate
• Observe deadlines: missing documents significantly delay processing

Forms and examples

The exact application form varies by municipality; many cities provide an online form at the responsible housing office (for example, Berlin's WBS information and forms). Check the form carefully before submitting and fill in all fields completely.

Communication with the housing office

• Contact the housing office early and ask for a file/reference number
• Submit missing documents with proof of receipt (email with confirmation or registered mail)
• Document all inquiries and decisions in writing

Forms and practical examples

Important forms typically include:

• Application for issuance of a Wohnberechtigungsschein (local form, example: Berlin)
• Enrollment certificate from the university
• Income proofs (pay slips, BAföG decision)

Practical example: Lisa, a student with a mini-job, uploads her enrollment certificate, the last three pay slips and the completed WBS application to the housing office. She saves the sending confirmation as a PDF and notes the date of receipt. Completeness helps her application be processed faster.

Tenant rights

Your basic tenancy rights (e.g., landlord duties, protection against eviction, rent reduction for defects) are regulated in the German Civil Code (BGB).^[1] In disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; higher instances handle appeals and establish precedents.^[2]

FAQ

How long does it take to issue a WBS?

Processing time varies by municipality; typically several weeks to a few months depending on completeness of documents.

Which proofs do students most often need?

Enrollment certificate, income proofs (BAföG, side job), ID card or registration certificate.

What to do if processing is delayed?

Contact the housing office, request a file number and submit missing documents; legal advice may be needed for complex cases.

How-To

1. Gather documents: enrollment certificate, income proofs, ID card.
2. Complete the form and check deadlines.
3. Send to the housing office and confirm receipt.
4. Keep copies of all evidence and confirmations.
5. Respond quickly to requests and submit missing items immediately.

Help & Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de