Tenants: Apply for Social Housing in Germany

Many tenants in Germany seek social housing and face complex allocation processes, missed deadlines and incomplete documentation. This guide explains in plain language which mistakes commonly occur when applying for a social apartment and for a housing entitlement certificate (WBS), how to fill out forms correctly, which deadlines to observe and which proofs are often required. I describe practical steps to organize documents, meet appointments and enforce your rights in disputes. All advice is based on current legal foundations and shows when the local court or which official forms are responsible. I name official forms and deadlines, give examples of common mistakes and show how to assemble proofs such as income statements or rental contracts correctly. I also explain which courts and authorities in Germany are responsible for tenancy disputes and how to prepare objections or lawsuits.

What are the most common mistakes?

When applying for social housing and for the WBS, similar mistakes occur repeatedly. Many of these mistakes are avoidable if you know the requirements and proceed systematically. Correct information about income, household size and deadlines is particularly important; these basics are also supported by tenancy law and housing promotion regulations.^[1]

• Incomplete proofs such as missing income statements or illegible documents.
• Incorrect or incompletely filled forms for the WBS or funding applications.
• Failure to meet deadlines for follow-ups or objection periods.
• Incorrect declarations regarding rent, deposit or other payments in the documents.
• Missing documentation of defects or the housing condition that could later be relevant for rent reduction or exchange.

How do I fill out the WBS application correctly?

The application for a housing entitlement certificate is usually submitted to the city or municipality; requirements can vary slightly regionally. Typical mandatory information includes personal data, household composition, income proofs and information about the current apartment. Check the local checklist before submission and use the form provided by your municipality if available.^[3]

• Identity document copy as proof of identity.
• Income proofs for recent months (pay slips, notices).
• Proof of household members (registration certificate, birth certificates).
• Current rental contract or proof of previous housing situation.

If there is a dispute

If there are rejections, delays or legal disputes, formal steps are often necessary. As a first step, lodging an objection can be useful; in further conflict, courts decide claims. Tenancy lawsuits are usually brought before the local court; civil procedural deadlines and rules can be found in the ZPO.^[2]

Practical notes

• Use official municipal forms and read the explanations carefully.
• Document deadlines in writing and note submission and response dates.
• Scan all documents and keep copies for your records.

FAQ

Who is entitled to a housing entitlement certificate (WBS)?

Eligible households have incomes below the applicable income limit; exact criteria and income limits are defined by the housing promotion law and the respective state or municipal regulations.^[3]

How long does allocation of a social apartment take?

Waiting times vary greatly depending on region, availability and urgency; municipal offices provide estimates, there is no binding waiting time.

How-To

1. Check your eligibility and whether your household meets the income limits.
2. Gather all required proofs such as ID, income statements and rental contract.
3. Complete the official municipal form fully and sign it.
4. Submit the application on time and note confirmation receipts and potential follow-up deadlines.
5. If rejected, review objection or lawsuit options and prepare documents for a possible proceeding.

Key takeaways

• Complete documentation speeds up processing.
• Deadlines matter; do not miss submission or follow-up dates.
• Use official forms and check municipal information before submitting.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
• Gesetze im Internet: Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Gesetze im Internet: Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)

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