Housing Benefit for Retiree Shared Flats in Germany

Many retirees live in shared flats (WGs) to share costs. Housing benefit can be an important financial support for these tenants in Germany. This text clearly explains which eligibility requirements apply in retirement, how income and household size are calculated in a WG and which official forms are required. You will learn which proofs the authority requires, how to submit the application and which deadlines are important. We also name the competent authorities and courts in case of disputes and give practical tips on how to organize documentation, communication with the landlord and what to do in case of rejection.

Who is eligible for housing benefit in a retiree WG?

Housing benefit is aimed at people with low income who pay rent. In a WG, the persons who live there permanently are counted as the household; the amount of housing benefit depends on the total rent, total income and household size. For retirees, the same basic principles apply as for other tenants, but there are special rules for pensions, one-off payments and joint accounts. The legal basis can be found in the Housing Promotion Act.^[1] Information on tenancy law (e.g. landlord and tenant obligations) is regulated in the BGB.^[2]

Important documents for the application

• Income statements (proof): pension notice, benefit certificates
• Rental agreement and proof of paid rent (rent)
• Identity card / registration certificate (document)
• Completed application form (form) from the responsible housing benefit office

The housing benefit office of your city or municipality checks the documents and calculates the entitlement. It is important that all people who live permanently in the WG are disclosed, as household size affects the calculation.

How are shared income and shared costs considered?

In many WGs, residents share rent and utilities. The housing benefit office is interested in the income actually available and who pays which costs. Joint accounts or voluntary cost coverage by third parties must be made transparent. If in doubt, it is worth asking the housing benefit office of your municipality.

FAQ

Can every retiree in a WG apply for housing benefit?

Basically yes, provided the income and rent limits are met; the total household size of the WG is taken into account and can change the entitlement.^[1]

Which deadlines must I observe?

The application should be submitted before or as soon as the rental costs are incurred; for objections to decisions there are tight deadlines that are stated in the rejection and may be subject to civil procedural rules under the ZPO.^[3]

Who do I contact in case of dispute with the landlord?

For tenancy disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent in the first instance; for fundamental legal questions higher instances up to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) can be relevant.^[2]

How-To

1. Collect documents: pension notice, bank statements, rental agreement, ID (evidence)
2. Fill in the application: complete and sign the housing benefit office form (form)
3. Observe deadlines: submit the application on time and note objection deadlines (deadline)
4. In case of rejection: check objection options or seek legal advice (court)

Help and Support / Resources

• Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• German Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Example: Housing benefit application (Berlin) — service.berlin.de

1. [1] Wohnraumförderungsgesetz (WoFG) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Wohngeldantrag (Beispielseite) — service.berlin.de