Tenants: Proving WBS Eligibility in Germany

Many students in Germany look for affordable housing and often need a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS). This article explains clearly which proofs landlords and authorities expect, how to correctly collect income, enrollment, and rental documents, and how to meet deadlines. The guide is aimed at tenants without legal training and gives concrete steps, useful forms, and common mistakes to avoid. It also explains which courts and authorities are responsible if disputes arise and which legal bases such as the German Civil Code or housing promotion law are relevant.^[1]

Why exact proofs matter

Accurate and complete documents speed up processing of your WBS application and increase the chances of receiving support or a socially bound apartment. Missing or unclear documents can lead to rejections, requests for additional information, or delays. In complaints or court disputes, thorough documentation serves as proof for your claims.

Which proofs do students need?

• Proof of income: recent bank statements, BAföG notice, or employer confirmation.
• Proof of enrollment: official certificate from the university for the current semester.
• Rental contract or previous tenant confirmation: landlord name, rent amount and contract start date.
• WBS application: the completed form from the responsible housing promotion office.

Practical: How to prepare documents

Scan or photograph all relevant pages in good quality and name files clearly (e.g. "enrollment_2025.pdf"). Create a short cover list with date, contents and page count. If paper documents are required, send copies by registered mail or hand them in personally and request a receipt.

• Documentation: keep a list of all submissions and copy receipts.
• Observe deadlines: submit applications well before move-in.
• Additional costs: some offices charge processing fees.

When proofs are requested or disputed

Respond in writing to requests for additional documents and attach copies of already sent items. Request an extension if deadlines are unclear. If an authority rejects your application, check the justification and consider filing an objection or lawsuit at the competent local court. Local courts (Amtsgericht) are generally responsible for tenancy disputes; appeals go to regional courts and binding precedents are published by the Federal Court of Justice.^[2]

Forms and official bodies

You can usually obtain the WBS application from your city or municipal housing promotion office. For tenancy law matters, the Amtsgericht is relevant and higher instances include the Landgericht and the Federal Court of Justice. Laws such as the German Civil Code (BGB) regulate tenant and landlord duties; procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[1]

FAQ

What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS)?

The WBS is an official document that entitles holders to allocation of social housing and is income-dependent.

Which deadlines apply for WBS applications?

Deadlines vary by municipality; submit the application well before moving in and observe deadlines for providing additional documents.

What happens in a dispute with the landlord?

In disputes you can turn to the competent local court (Amtsgericht); documentation and proofs are crucial.

How-To

1. Download or request the WBS application form from the housing promotion office.
2. Gather and digitize all required proofs (enrollment certificate, proof of income, rental contract).
3. Submit the application on time and request confirmation of receipt.
4. Respond promptly and in writing to any queries from the authority and provide missing documents.
5. If rejected, consider filing an objection or seek legal advice; a lawsuit at the local court may be necessary.

Help and Support

• Legal information: Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection
• Laws: Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO, WoFG)
• Rulings: Federal Court of Justice (BGH)

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] WoFG — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de