WBS & Housing Co-ops: Tenants in Germany Help

As a tenant in Germany you are looking for secure, affordable housing — especially when income or household size make access to the private rental market difficult. The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) and municipal or housing cooperatives are central routes. This guide explains clearly who is eligible for a WBS, which documents and deadlines are important when applying, and how cooperatives select applicants. You will also find a practical checklist for completing forms, advice on communicating with landlords and cooperatives, and tips on how to assert your rights under the BGB. The goal is to improve your chances of social housing and avoid common mistakes — even without legal knowledge.

How does the WBS work?

The WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein) is granted based on income limits and household size; exact rules are set out in the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz and by your municipality. Check the criteria early and ask the competent authority, since forms and required proofs can vary.^[2]

Housing cooperatives and benefits

Housing cooperatives often offer affordable rental apartments with co-determination rights and a long-term perspective. Membership usually requires a deposit; find out about waiting times, allocation procedures and any share requirements. Consider cooperatives as a long-term alternative to private renting.^[1]

Checklist: Documents and steps

• WBS application form (Antragsformular) completed and signed.
• Identification, tenancy agreement, proof of income (proofs) prepared in full.
• Meet deadlines (deadlines): submit applications and proofs within the specified timeframes.
• Contact cooperatives and clarify the application order.
• Plan viewings, acceptance and move-in.

If problems arise

If there is a dispute with a landlord or cooperative (eg about defects, rent reduction, termination), written evidence and setting deadlines are important first steps. For court actions, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually responsible; procedural rules are in the ZPO. Observe the relevant provisions of the BGB on tenant and landlord duties and rights.^[3][1][4]

FAQ

Who is eligible for a WBS?

Households that meet the income limits and other requirements of the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz are eligible; exact criteria vary by federal state.^[2]

How long does allocation of a cooperative apartment take?

Timing and waiting periods depend on membership status, deposit level and the cooperative's internal allocation rules; ask the office for the specific order.

Which authority decides rental disputes?

Rental disputes are usually heard in the first instance at the local court (Amtsgericht); the BGB and ZPO contain the governing rules.^[1][3]

How-To

1. Check WBS eligibility with your municipality.
2. Gather required documents: ID, proof of income, tenancy agreement, certificate of no rent arrears.
3. Complete the application form and submit it to the competent authority.
4. Contact cooperatives proactively to clarify application requirements and membership terms.
5. Arrange viewings, a move-in date and necessary address registrations.

Help and Support / Resources

• Laws: BGB – Civil Code
• Laws: Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Decisions

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), §§ 535–580a
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Mietrechtliche Rechtsprechung