WBS & Cooperatives: Proof for Tenants in Germany

Many tenants in Germany wonder how to correctly prove a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) to cooperatives and what happens if the proof is missing. This article explains in plain language which legal foundations apply, which documents cooperatives typically require and how to use template letters to secure your claim. You will get concrete action steps, deadlines and guidance on handling applications as well as where to find official forms. The goal is to provide practical, legally sound information so you as a tenant can present the WBS correctly and avoid possible conflicts with landlords or cooperatives.

What is the WBS?

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official certificate that confirms a person's entitlement to subsidized housing. The legal basis is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG).^[1] The WBS typically confirms income limits and household size; it is often required to rent or reserve a subsidized apartment with a cooperative.

WBS & cooperatives: How landlords typically request proof

Cooperatives usually require the WBS, proof of identity and proof of income for move-in. Legal duties of the landlord and rights of the tenant derive from the BGB (e.g., rent payment and defects).^[2] If the WBS is missing, allocation or rent determination can be affected; often the move-in is conditionally approved until proof is provided.

Typical documents for proof

• Identity card or passport
• Current WBS (official form or certificate)
• Proof of income (pay slips, benefit notices)
• Lease or reservation confirmation from the cooperative

Forms and template letters

Use the WBS application form of your municipality; for example, Berlin provides an online WBS application. In many cases digital submission to the responsible housing office is sufficient. A formal notice to the cooperative should include name, apartment number (if known), WBS details and a deadline for submission.

For reference, find information on the WoFG and eligibility on official legal websites and practical instructions for applying at your municipality.^[1]

Process & deadlines

Typical process: cooperative reviews documents, requests missing information if needed, issues conditional acceptance, move-in after presenting the WBS. Pay attention to deadlines in correspondence; missing them can endanger your rights.

• On request: submit WBS within the given deadline
• Request written confirmation of submission
• If unsure: contact the housing office or the cooperative

Häufige Fragen

Who needs a WBS?

People entitled to subsidized housing or who want to rent a subsidized cooperative apartment usually need a WBS.

How do I submit the WBS to a cooperative?

Send a copy of the WBS together with identity and income proofs to the cooperative and confirm dispatch in writing.

What happens if the WBS is rejected?

If rejected, check the reasoning, possibly file an objection and discuss alternatives with the housing office.

Anleitung

1. Collect all documents: ID, income proofs, lease and current WBS.
2. Check the cooperative's form requirements and add missing documents.
3. Submit the WBS to the housing office and request confirmation of receipt.
4. Forward a copy to the cooperative and set a reasonable deadline for follow-up.
5. If disputes arise, inform the local court (Amtsgericht) or seek legal advice and consider objection or court action.

Hilfe und Unterstützung

• [1] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - Gesetze im Internet
• [2] German Civil Code (BGB) §535 ff. - Gesetze im Internet
• [3] WBS application (example: Service Berlin) - service.berlin.de

1. [1] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff. - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] WBS application (example: Service Berlin) - service.berlin.de