Apply for a certificate of eligibility for housing
Service description
You can apply for a housing eligibility certificate (WBS) at your local authority. You can also obtain the necessary forms there. Which authority is responsible for you depends on the regulations of the respective federal state. You can find out which forms and documents are required from the relevant administrative offices.
The housing eligibility certificate contains information on eligible individuals, compliance with the relevant income limits, living space, and the number of rooms.
The housing eligibility certificate entitles the holder to move into a subsidized apartment (public housing). There is no legal right to be assigned such an apartment.
The apartment you wish to move into must not exceed the maximum apartment size specified in the WBS. The number of rooms or the living area may be exceeded only in exceptional cases. The staff at the property management offices will be happy to provide you with more detailed information on this as well.
Some public housing units are reserved for specific groups of people. These may include, for example, students, seniors (minimum age 60), people with disabilities, or households with many children (at least three children). If you belong to one of these specific groups, this will also be indicated on your housing eligibility certificate.
The housing eligibility certificate is generally valid for one year, which means you can move into public housing within that time frame. Once the certificate expires, you can apply for a new one. Furthermore, it can only be used once to move into public housing. When signing the lease, the housing eligibility certificate must be presented to the landlord.
Process flow
You can obtain a housing eligibility certificate by applying for one:
- If you need advice, you can schedule a personal or telephone consultation with a staff member at your local authority before submitting your application.
- To apply, fill out the application form—either online or on paper—and attach the required documents.
- Your application will be reviewed by the staff at the relevant agency. If necessary, you may be asked to provide additional information.
- After the review, you will be notified whether or not you are eligible for a housing eligibility certificate. If so, the housing eligibility certificate will be issued to you.
Requirements
- German or EU citizenship
- Foreign nationals with a residence permit that is generally valid for at least one year
- Legal age (or consent of a parent or legal guardian)
- Households whose countable income does not exceed the income limit. Compliance with the income limit depends primarily on the number of people in the household and the total income of all household members. The calculation is generally based on the gross annual income of all persons living in the household for the previous calendar year. In addition, there are allowances and deductions, for example, for persons with a recognized severe disability or a recognized care level.
- One of the requirements is that you are not merely staying in the Federal Republic of Germany temporarily, but that you have your center of life here or intend to establish it here. The center of life is the place where you settle permanently, of your own free will, either alone or with your family.
What documents are needed?
When submitting a written application
- Identity Card for German Citizens and Citizens of the European Union (ID Card)
- Passport for foreign citizens who hold a residence permit valid for at least one year
ELECTRONICALLY
You must also log in electronically (username/password).
Additionally:- Income statement for each household member who has their own income
- Depending on your income, you must provide the appropriate documentation. This may include, for example:
- Pay stubs from the previous year
- Pay stubs for the last 12 months
- Annual Payroll Tax Statement for the Previous Year
- Income Tax Assessment for the Previous Year
Depending on your personal situation, additional documents may also be required:
For example:
- Certificate of the Degree of Disability (e.g., for people with severe disabilities)
- Certificate of Enrollment (e.g., for students)
- BAföG Notices (for recipients of educational assistance)
- Pension Notice (e.g., for retirees)
- Proof of benefits from the Job Center (e.g., for the unemployed)
This list is not exhaustive.
Depending on the case, administrative staff may require additional documentation. If this is the case, we will contact you immediately.
What are the fees?
The amount of the fees is determined by the regulations of the respective federal state and the relevant municipality.
What deadlines do I have to observe?
The housing eligibility certificate is valid only in the state where it was issued and, as a rule, for one year. It can be used to secure an apartment within its period of validity.
Period of validity: 12 months
Legal basis
The housing assistance laws of the individual federal states apply. If the states have not enacted their own laws, federal law applies.