WBS & Urgency: Tenant Rights for Students in Germany

What are urgency levels?

Urgency levels help authorities and landlords prioritise cases by severity and time sensitivity. For students in Germany this means: applications for social housing (WBS) or reports of serious housing defects can be processed faster when a high urgency is declared. Tenancy law in the BGB simultaneously regulates landlords' duties and tenants' rights regarding maintenance and defects.^[1]

WBS and social housing

The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is the certificate proving eligibility for subsidised housing; the legal basis is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG).^[2] Students with low income should check which urgency criteria apply in their federal state and which documents are required (income statements, certificate of enrolment).

• Form: complete and sign the WBS application (form).
• Document defects with photos, dates and witnesses.
• Observe deadlines: note the receipt date and statutory response periods.

Forms and deadlines

Important forms and templates tenants should know: termination letter (template), WBS application, and if necessary the court complaint form for the local court. There is no nationwide standard WBS template; use the form of your city or state and ensure all attachments are complete.

• Termination letter: use a template for ordinary termination and send by registered mail.
• WBS application: complete the state form and attach income documents.
• Evidence: collect photos, defect logs and correspondence.

If a problem escalates

For persistent defects, unsuccessful repair requests or unlawful termination the local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance for tenancy disputes; procedural rules are found in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).^[3] Before filing a suit, check deadlines, collect secure evidence and consider legal advice (for example student legal services).

1. Collect all documents: tenancy agreement, photos, message exchanges and receipts.
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and set a deadline.
3. If no solution: prepare a complaint at the competent local court.

FAQ

What is an urgency level?

An urgency level ranks cases by urgency so that authorities or housing providers can prioritise particularly time-sensitive applications.

How do I apply for a WBS?

You apply for the WBS at the responsible housing authority of your city or municipality; include proof of income and your certificate of enrolment.

When can I claim rent reduction?

If there are significant defects that restrict the usability of the dwelling, you can proportionally reduce the rent; document defects and do not announce a reduction without prior notification.

How-To

1. Gather evidence: photos, message histories and witness statements.
2. Send a formal defect notice to the landlord and set a clear deadline.
3. Note all deadlines and act within the given timeframes.
4. If necessary, file a claim at the competent local court.

Help and Support

• Forms & templates: termination, complaints and WBS forms (official sources).
• Legal basis: BGB §§ 535–580a (tenancy law).
• Court information: federal courts and local courts for tenancy cases.

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de