WBS Extension for Student Tenants in Germany
Many students in Germany depend on social housing and must renew the Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) in time to retain their entitlement. As student tenants, it is important to know deadlines, required documents and the correct authority to apply to; mistakes can otherwise lead to loss of the WBS and complicate finding housing. This guide explains clearly which documents you typically need, how and when to submit the renewal application, which practical steps help when the housing office requests information, and which courts are competent in disputes. Practical examples show how to file the application on time, organize proofs and which legal bases (e.g. WoFG, BGB) are relevant. Additional notes cover common rejection reasons and what to do if documents are missing or the office requests evidence. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, frequently asked questions and official contact points in Germany that can help with the renewal.
What is a WBS renewal?
Renewing the Wohnberechtigungsschein means you continue to be eligible for subsidized housing; the legal basis is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG).[2] A WBS is usually issued for a limited time; therefore a timely renewal is necessary to avoid a gap in approval.
Who can renew the WBS and what documents does the office need?
Student tenants who already hold a WBS and still meet the income and household requirements can apply for a renewal. Typically required are a certificate of enrollment and current proof of income or BAföG notices.
- Certificate of enrollment or proof of studies
- Tenancy agreement or landlord confirmation
- Identity card or registration certificate
- Proofs of income, BAföG notice or maintenance declarations
- Where applicable, confirmations of social benefits
Deadlines, authorities and formal steps
Many municipalities require the renewal application to be submitted several weeks before the current WBS expires; exact deadlines vary by federal state. Check early with the responsible housing office and ask for the responsible caseworker.
- Check your current WBS expiration date and note the deadline.
- Apply for renewal at least 4 weeks before expiry unless otherwise specified.
- If there are short-term changes (e.g. BAföG notice), inform the office immediately.
What to do in case of rejection or queries?
If the housing office rejects the renewal or requests additional documents, respond promptly, provide missing documents within the set deadline and explain special circumstances in writing. Keep copies of all submissions and correspondence with the office.
Judicial competence and legal bases
For formal mistakes or contested decisions, administrative objection procedures or lawsuits may be necessary; for housing and tenancy disputes, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are often competent. For eviction suits and civil procedure matters, the rules of the Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) apply.[3] The Bürgerliche Gesetzbuch (BGB) provides the main provisions relevant to tenancy law.[1]
FAQ
- When should I apply for renewal?
- Apply several weeks before expiry; many offices recommend at least four weeks notice.
- Which proofs are most important?
- Certificate of enrollment, proof of income or BAföG notice, and a copy of the current tenancy agreement.
- What happens if the WBS expires?
- Without a valid WBS you may lose eligibility for subsidized housing; in practice this can affect subsidy entitlements or allocation procedures.
- Who should I contact if the office does not respond?
- Contact the responsible caseworker, send a written deadline notice and, if necessary, seek legal advice or contact the municipal complaints office.
How-To
- Check the deadline of your current WBS and note the expiration date.
- Collect enrollment certificate, income proofs and tenancy agreement copies.
- Complete the renewal application fully and sign it.
- Submit the application to the responsible housing office and request written confirmation of receipt or an email receipt.
- If the office does not reply in time, send a written reminder and set a reasonable deadline.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact your local housing office: inquire at the town hall or city administration for the responsible person.
- Legal bases: information on housing promotion and the WBS available in official law collections and ministry pages.
- Federal Court (BGH): rulings and publications on tenancy law can provide orientation.
