Housing Allowance for Tenants in Germany 2025
As a tenant in Germany, many questions arise about housing allowance, especially in shared flats and for families with low incomes. This guide explains step by step who is eligible, which documents are required, and how to complete the application correctly. You will receive clear information on deadlines, calculation of assessable income and relevant legal bases such as the BGB and the responsible authorities. Practical examples show typical shared-flat situations and family cases, plus useful action steps if an application is rejected or documents are missing. The aim is to give you confidence when applying and to show ways to obtain support in Germany. Read on.
What is housing allowance and who can apply?
Housing allowance is a state subsidy for housing costs intended to help tenants with low incomes. Eligible households are those whose income and rent do not exceed certain limits. For shared flats, the incomes of all persons living in the household are taken into account; for families, child benefits and maintenance payments are usually included. Legal bases can be found in the Civil Code and housing promotion law.[1][3]
Which documents are needed for the application?
- Proof of income (pay slips, notices).
- Rental contract and proof of rent costs.
- Certificates for children, maintenance or social benefits.
- Information on the start of the tenancy and deadlines for reporting changes.
Important forms and authorities
You can obtain the "Antrag auf Wohngeld" (application for housing allowance) from your city or municipal administration; many municipalities also offer the form online. You can also apply for a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) at the responsible housing promotion office if required in your federal state. For legal disputes relating to tenancy law, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; procedural rules are found in the Code of Civil Procedure.[2]
How is the housing allowance calculated?
The calculation depends on the eligible rent and the assessable household income. Deductions for certain expenses and allowances are taken into account; the exact method is regulated in the relevant statutes and housing promotion law.[3]
What to do in case of rejection or need for change?
If your application is rejected, check the reasons and submit missing documents. You can file an objection within the deadline given in the notice or bring an action before the competent local court. If in doubt, seek advice from the local housing allowance office or a legal advice center.
FAQ
- Who counts as household members in a shared flat for housing allowance?
- Household members include all people permanently registered in the apartment and economically involved; incomes of all household members are considered.
- Can housing allowance be paid retroactively?
- Housing allowance is usually granted only from the date of application; exceptional circumstances should be explained to the housing allowance authority.
- Which authority decides on the application?
- The responsible housing allowance authority of the city or municipality decides on applications; for legal matters, local courts are competent.
How-To
- Check eligibility: Compare your household income and rent with municipal limits.
- Gather documents: Prepare pay slips, rental contract and proof for children or benefits.
- Fill in the application: Complete the municipal "Antrag auf Wohngeld" and attach all documents.
- Submit and respond: Submit the application to the housing allowance office and answer any follow-up questions.
- If rejected: Review the notice, file an objection or observe deadlines for court action.
Help and Support
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Gesetze im Internet
- Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Gesetze im Internet
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Case law on tenancy
