WBS Extension for Tenants & Students in Germany

As a tenant student in Germany, timely extension of your Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is important to remain eligible for subsidized housing and benefits. This article explains clearly which deadlines apply, which documents you should prepare and how to act formally if the authority requests an extension or denies it after the certificate expires. You will get a practical checklist, guidance on communicating with landlord and authority, and concrete steps for problems up to court clarification at the local court. All advice follows applicable law and shows where to find official forms and templates.

Deadlines and legal basis

The WBS is extended or reissued under the provisions of the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz; deadlines vary by federal state. Check your expiry dates in good time and apply early to avoid gaps. For tenancy law aspects the rules of the BGB apply; in court disputes the ZPO governs proceedings.^[1][2]

Which documents do you need?

• (form) Identity card or registration certificate for identification.
• (form) Certificate of enrollment as proof of student status.
• (record) Proof of income for recent months or BAföG decision.
• (record) Tenancy agreement or landlord confirmation about apartment size.

Practical checklist for students

• (deadline) Check your WBS expiry at least 8 weeks before it ends.
• (form) Request or download the application form from the competent housing authority.
• (record) Gather income and enrollment proofs and make copies.
• (money) Check for fees and pay them on time.
• (move-out) Keep the extended WBS in digital and paper form for landlord and authorities.

If the extension is denied

If denied you will receive a written decision with reasons. You can lodge an objection within the stated deadline or file a lawsuit at the competent local court if your rights were violated. Collect all letters, emails and receipts as evidence for possible court review.^[3]

Communication with landlord and authority

Inform your landlord early about the status of your WBS extension, especially if the WBS is a condition for your tenancy or subsidized housing. Send proofs by email and by registered mail if deadlines are tight.

FAQ

Who can extend a WBS?

Persons who still meet the income and apartment-size requirements of the respective state can have the WBS extended.

When must I apply?

Apply for renewal at least 6–8 weeks before expiry, depending on your municipality's rules.

What to do if denied?

Check the reasons for denial, file an objection in time and consider court action at the local court.

How-To

1. (deadline) First check the expiry date of your current WBS and mark it in your calendar.
2. (form) Download the application form from your local housing authority and fill it out completely.
3. (record) Attach copies of ID, enrollment certificate and income documents.
4. (money) Pay any fees and submit the application on time.
5. (court) If denied: file an objection and consider legal steps.

Help and Support

• Berlin WBS and application information
• Civil Code (BGB) on gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) decisions

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) auf gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) auf gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) auf gesetze-im-internet.de