WBS Move: Documents for Tenants in Germany

As a student with a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS), you face specific proof requirements when moving. In addition to the rental contract and registration certificate, landlords and housing offices often require certificates about your study and income situation as well as the WBS application itself. This article explains in plain language which documents are usually necessary, which deadlines you must observe and how to present proofs correctly so that your application for social housing or a WBS-subsidized offer is not unnecessarily delayed. You will also receive practical step-by-step guidance for communicating with authorities and landlords in Germany, including examples of which official forms to use. At the end you will find an FAQ and a short guide on how to submit WBS documents on time.

Important documents

Before moving, gather these documents and have copies ready. Some authorities require originals, others accept certified copies.

• WBS application (form) – completed application form from the city or municipality.
• Registration certificate (form) – proof of registration at the residents' registration office.
• Rental contract (rent) – signed rental contract as proof of the tenancy.
• Deposit / proof of payment (deposit) – bank statements or receipts.
• Enrollment certificate (proof) – current proof of study.
• Income proofs (proof) – payslips or BAföG notice.

Deadlines and timelines

Deadlines vary by municipality and contract. Build in buffers so applications are not rejected or delayed due to missing documents.

• Submit WBS application (deadline) – check local deadlines, usually before moving in.
• Registration obligation (deadline) – register at the residents' registration office within the legally specified period.
• Notice periods (calendar) – observe the notice periods in the rental contract and under the BGB^[1].

Proofs to landlord and authorities

Landlords typically ask for copies of the rental contract and proofs of solvency; the housing office additionally requires the WBS application and often the enrollment certificate. Tenant and landlord obligations are regulated in tenancy law (Sections 535–580a BGB), which also affects disclosure obligations and rights in case of defects.^[1] The legal basis for the Wohnberechtigungsschein is the Housing Promotion Act (WoFG).^[2] In case of dispute, the competent local court (Amtsgericht) decides on eviction suits or disputes between tenant and landlord.^[3]

FAQ

Which documents do I need for the WBS?

Typically: completed WBS application from the municipality, enrollment certificate, income proofs, registration certificate and copy of the rental contract.

Can the landlord require copies instead of originals?

Yes, landlords often accept copies; however, authorities sometimes require originals or certified copies.

What happens if documents are missing?

Missing documents lead to delays or rejection of the application; submit missing proofs as soon as possible.

How-To

1. Collect documents (form) – prepare copies and originals: WBS application, registration certificate, enrollment, income proofs.
2. Submit application (submit) – file the WBS application with the responsible office, online or in person.
3. Observe deadlines (deadline) – check processing times and submit missing proofs within the specified period.
4. Resolve issues (court) – gather documentation and consider legal steps or advice if necessary.

Help and Support

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) – Gesetze im Internet
• Information about the court system – Justice Portal

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Justizportal – Information about local courts and jurisdictions