Tenants: Prove Income Limits Correctly in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to prove income limits correctly, for example when applying for a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) or for subsidised housing. Common mistakes are incomplete documents, incorrect time periods or missing certified copies of pay slips. This guide explains in practical terms which documents landlords or authorities expect, which forms are relevant and how to document your information securely and transparently. The sections include a verifiable checklist, tips for dealing with authorities and examples of how to draft a simple employer certificate. If possible, keep digital and printed copies of every submission so you can meet deadlines and answer queries quickly. Contact the responsible authority early if documents are missing and secure responses in writing.

What tenants should pay attention to

When proving income limits, completeness, periods and the correct format matter. Authorities typically request the last 3 to 12 months, employer confirmations and bank statements are common. Legal foundations for tenancy law are regulated in the German Civil Code (BGB)^[1], subsidy rules are in the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG)^[2]. If a dispute goes to court, the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO)^[3].

Common mistakes

• Incomplete pay slips or incorrect accounting periods.
• Missing employer confirmation or unreadable scans.
• No certified copies when the authority requires them.
• Unclear additional payments (e.g. one-off payments, child benefit, maintenance).
• Missing deadlines or sending documents by insecure email without confirmation of receipt.

Checklist: What to prepare

• Last three to twelve pay slips, depending on requirements.
• Current bank statements showing regular income.
• Written employer confirmation with start date and salary details.
• Proof of social benefits, maintenance or child benefit if relevant.
• Valid ID or registration certificate.
• Certified copies if requested by the authority.

Forms and templates

Important forms are usually the application for a WBS (application for issuance of a Wohnberechtigungsschein) and any supplementary evidence forms of the respective state authority. A simple example: an employer confirmation should include the employer's name, employment start date and gross/net salary and be signed by a contact person. If an authority requires certified copies, check with the responsible office whether a simple copy with an official stamp is sufficient or if an official certification is necessary.

Practical steps

1. Collect all relevant documents and create an index of contents.
2. Create copies and a digital version (PDF), name files clearly.
3. Obtain missing employer confirmations; use a brief template that states all required data.
4. Submit documents on time to the responsible office and request a confirmation of receipt.
5. Keep all responses and reference numbers safe for possible queries or appeals.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS)?

The WBS confirms that you meet the income requirements for subsidised housing; it is issued by the responsible municipal authority.

Which deadlines must I observe?

Deadlines are specified in the request or application form; submit documents in good time and document deliveries.

Can I submit missing documents later?

Yes, it is often possible to submit documents later, but inform the authority immediately and request an extension if necessary.

How-To

1. Read the authority's requirements carefully and mark required documents.
2. Collect pay slips, bank statements and relevant social benefits proofs.
3. Have required copies certified or obtain a written employer confirmation.
4. Arrange documents, create a cover sheet with contact information and send everything with a receipt confirmation.
5. Store all evidence and document responses, deadlines and file numbers.

Help and Support

• BGB §§ 535–580a (Tenancy law) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de

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1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de