WBS & Tenants: Income Limits for Students in Germany

As a tenant who supervises students or is a student yourself, you may wonder whether a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) or income limits affect your chances of subsidized housing. This text explains in plain language which income limits apply to students, which documents you need and how to submit the application in Germany. I cite relevant statutes, practical steps for the WBS application and typical deadlines. At the end you will find a step-by-step guide, a short FAQ and official contact points. This way you as a tenant know which rights and obligations apply and how to assess your situation objectively. I explain terms like "tenant", WBS and income evidence simply and show which deadlines should be observed.

What is the WBS?

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is a municipal certificate that determines whether you are eligible for publicly subsidized housing. The Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) governs the basis and requirements for subsidized housing. ^[2] The WBS itself is usually issued by the city or district administration and contains information about the person and the permitted apartment size.

Who is eligible and which legal bases apply?

Whether you as a tenant or student household are eligible for a WBS depends on income, household size and regional income ceilings. Landlord and tenant obligations and rights are regulated in the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), in particular §§ 535–580a. ^[1] For the allocation of the WBS, however, the WoFG is primarily relevant. ^[2]

Typical criteria (examples)

• Application form: complete and submit the WBS application at your city administration.
• Income proofs: pay slips, BAföG notices or parental income certificates.
• Household proof: enrollment certificate and proof of household members.

How to check income limits in practice?

First check your municipality's requirements: cities and districts often publish local income limits for the WBS. Then collect the necessary documents and compare your annual total income with the published ceilings. In case of doubt, the social services of your city or the housing office can help.

• Fill out the application form (WBS application) completely.
• Attach income proofs (pay slips, BAföG, scholarship).
• Include enrollment certificate or proof of household members.

What to do if the application is rejected?

In case of rejection, examine the rejection notice carefully: it must state reasons and include information on legal remedies. Appeal or legal action is possible; for tenancy disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is generally competent. ^[4] For fundamental legal questions and precedents, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) may be relevant. ^[3]

FAQ

Can a student with a side job get a WBS?

That depends on the total income amount and local thresholds; in many cases a side job is permissible up to a limit.

Do I have to renew my WBS every year?

The WBS has a fixed validity period depending on the municipality; check with your city housing office.

Who do I contact in case of a dispute over the WBS?

An objection to an administrative decision is directed to the issuing authority; for court review, administrative and possibly civil courts are competent.

How-To

1. Check: Visit your city website to learn about local income limits and requirements.
2. Gather documents: Prepare income proofs, enrollment certificate and ID documents.
3. Submit application: File the WBS application in person or electronically at the housing office.
4. Wait for decision: Observe deadlines; if rejected, consider filing an appeal within the stated period.

Key Takeaways

• Check local income limits because they vary between municipalities.
• Providing complete evidence speeds up the decision.
• Contact your city housing office or social services for concrete questions.

Help and Support / Resources

• Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) - Gesetze im Internet
• BGB §§535–580a (Tenancy law) - Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - decisions and information

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
4. [4] Justice portal of the federal and state governments (information on local courts)