Wohngeld for Shared Flat Tenants in Germany 2025

Many tenants in shared flats wonder whether they are entitled to Wohngeld and how shared household arrangements affect the calculation. This guide clearly explains which flatmates count as a household, which income limits and rent shares are decisive, and how to complete the Wohngeld application in Germany in 2025. I describe practical steps: which documents are needed, how to split rent proportionally by room, and which deadlines to watch. You will also learn which authorities are responsible and which legal foundations apply so you can reliably assess whether support payments are possible. At the end you will find a short FAQ, a step-by-step application guide and notes on objection and litigation if the application is rejected.

Wohngeld and Shared Flats: Who can apply?

Wohngeld is a social benefit to partially cover housing costs. In shared flats, household management determines who counts as a household; this affects the calculation of Wohngeld and touches rental law foundations under the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a ^[1]. For entitlement, the taxable income of all household members and the amount of rent are the main factors.

Typical criteria

• High share of rent (rent) relative to household income
• Shared household management and correct information in the application (application)
• No eligibility if the total household income is too high

Calculation, deadlines and required documents

The legal basis for Wohngeld is the Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG); it regulates entitlement conditions and calculation rules ^[2]. The calculation considers housing costs and countable household income; for shared flats, an apportioned rent statement is often useful.

Required documents

• Income proofs of all flatmates (evidence) for the relevant months
• Current rent confirmation or bank statements to prove rent payments
• ID card and completed Wohngeld application (application)

What to do if rejected: objections and lawsuits

If the Wohngeld application is rejected, first check the written reasoning and file an objection within the stated deadline. If court proceedings become necessary, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply; eviction or performance proceedings are generally handled by the local court (Amtsgericht) ^[3]. For fundamental legal questions and precedent, decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) are relevant ^[4].

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Wohngeld as a single flatmate?

Yes, if you qualify as your own household or your share of rent and income meets entitlement requirements; household management may need to be clearly described.

Does every flatmate have to disclose income?

Yes, with shared household management, the countable incomes of all household members are considered.

Where do I go if I have problems with the decision?

First file an objection with the responsible Wohngeld office, later consider a lawsuit at the local court; observe the deadlines of the ZPO ^[3].

How-To

1. Within 60 days check: determine entitlement and household membership
2. Collect documents: prove incomes and rent payments (payment)
3. Complete the application and submit it to the responsible Wohngeld office (form)
4. If rejected, file an objection and consider a court action at the local court (court)

Help and Support / Resources

• Wohngeld law (WoFG) – Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Ministry of Justice (information on tenancy law)
• Federal Court of Justice – decisions on tenancy law

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 535–580a – gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) – gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) – gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – bundesgerichtshof.de