Housing Allowance & Bills for Tenants in Germany
Housing allowance, utility bills and entitlement in shared flats
Housing allowance is a social benefit to support tenants with low income; in a WG your share of income and rent is generally considered. First check whether WG members have separate finances or form a single household. If unclear, contact your citys housing department.
What the law says
General tenant rights are covered by the German Civil Code (BGB) (sections 535ff). For billing questions, the Operating Costs Regulation and the Heating Costs Ordinance define allowable cost items and allocation keys. Disputes are often decided by local courts; landmark rulings by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) may be decisive.[1][2][3]
Practical steps for housing allowance and utility bills
- Get forms: obtain the housing allowance application and utility billing documents from your municipality or housing office.
- Collect documents: lease, registration certificate, payslips and proofs for heating and operating costs.
- Check entitlement: calculate assessable income and your share of the rent to see if housing allowance applies.
- Observe deadlines: there are short deadlines for objections to bills; note all dates on the letter.
For disputed utility bill items, check each position: hot water, heating, caretaker, waste disposal. Request receipts from the landlord; many items must be itemized. If access to records is denied, legal review may be necessary.
Sample forms and where to get them
Municipal offices provide housing allowance forms; many cities offer PDFs on their housing office pages. For terminations and lawsuits you will find information and sample guidance at judicial authorities. If unsure how to write a letter, a template termination letter or the courts filing forms may help.
FAQ
- Who is eligible for housing allowance in a WG?
- Tenants with low income can be eligible; in a WG the individuals assessable income and share of rent are usually considered. The local housing office is responsible.
- How do I check my utility bill?
- Compare billed items with your lease and request to see receipts if items are unclear.
- What to do in case of termination or eviction proceedings?
- Respond in writing and within deadlines, seek advice and consider submitting a statement to the local court; an objection or request for suspension may be possible.
How-To
- Check: determine your assessable income and your share of the WG rent.
- Gather documents: lease, registration certificates, payslips and utility bills.
- Submit application: file the housing allowance application at your citys housing office, online or by post.
- Follow up: keep confirmations and deadlines; submit an objection if necessary or contact the local court.
Help and Support / Resources
- BGB Civil Code (sections 535 ff.) Gesetze im Internet
- Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) Decisions and information
