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It is often difficult to find an affordable apartment. The WBS enables you to rent subsidized housing at a reasonable price.

Important facts

If you have a low household income, you may be entitled to the issue of a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS).

 

If you would like to rent a subsidized apartment, you will need a WBS before renting. With the WBS, you prove that you are entitled to rent a subsidized apartment due to your low income. The size of the rental apartment depends on the number of people moving into the apartment with you.

 

You can apply for a WBS from the relevant authority. Which authority is responsible for you depends on the regulations of the respective federal state. You can also obtain the necessary forms there.

The application can be made in writing or electronically.

 

On this page you will find information on the WBS and the corresponding online application.

Important: 

The requirements and income limits for a WBS vary from state to state. It is therefore important that you check the information from the authority responsible for you in your federal state. You can find your contact person here.


Who is eligible?

In many cases, the following persons are eligible for a WBS:

  • Recipients of citizen's allowance
  • Recipients of assistance for living expenses
  • Recipients of basic security benefits in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity
  • Low-income households
  • Low-earning parents or people raising children alone
  • People with a recognized severe disability
  • Under certain circumstances: Trainees and students, pensioners

You are not entitled to a WBS if you

  • have a salary that is above the specified income limit for your income group.
  • have already moved into a subsidized apartment and would like to move into another apartment without applying for a new WBS.
  • already have a WBS for another federal state.
  • have a "specific housing entitlement certificate" that is only valid for a specific subsidized apartment.
  • are trying to rent a subsidized apartment that is specifically reserved for students, people aged 60 and over, people with disabilities or households with many children and you do not belong to these groups.

The facts about the social housing eligibility certificate

Frequently asked questions about the WBS

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Apply Online

You can apply for a housing entitlement certificate directly online here.