Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) — Affordable Social Housing

What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein?

A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) entitles you to rent a Sozialwohnung (publicly subsidized housing). These apartments have significantly lower rents than the free market — often 30–50% below market rent.

Sozialwohnungen are built or renovated with public funds. In return, landlords may rent these apartments only to WBS holders and must cap the rent.

Who Gets a WBS?

Income Limits

The WBS is aimed at low-income households. Income limits vary significantly by federal state:

(Net annual income, as of 2025/26 — figures vary, please check with your local authority)

Important: Gross ≠ Net

For the WBS, your assessable income counts, which is:

Gross income minus:
- Acquisition costs (standard €1,230 or actual)
- Taxes
- Social insurance contributions
- Allowances for children, disabled persons, single parents

Who Can Apply?

• Germans and EU citizens residing in the city
• Third-country nationals with a valid residence permit
• Refugees with residence permission
• Students, trainees, retirees may also be eligible

WBS I, II, and III — Levels

In some federal states (e.g., NRW), there are different WBS levels:

Advantage: Even if your income is slightly above the basic limit, you may qualify for WBS II or III!

How Do I Apply for a WBS?

Step 1 — Find the Responsible Authority

The WBS is applied for at the housing promotion office or housing authority of your city:

• In large cities: separate housing office
• In smaller municipalities: at the citizen service office or district office
• Online application: possible in some cities (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg)

Step 2 — Gather Documents

You need:

• ID card or passport + residence permit
• Registration certificate (current registration)
• Income statements from the last 12 months (pay slips, tax returns)
• Bürgergeld/Wohngeld decision (if applicable)
• Current lease (if you have one)
• Child benefit decision (if you have children)
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
• Bank statements (some authorities require this)

Step 3 — Submit Application

• Fill out the form (online or on paper)
• Attach documents
• Submit in person or send by mail

Step 4 — Receive Decision

• Processing time: 2–8 weeks (depending on the city)
• Validity: Usually 1 year (renewable)
• The WBS specifies: household size and maximum apartment size (e.g., "2 persons, up to 65 m²")

Apartment Sizes

The WBS determines how large your apartment can be:

(Figures vary by federal state)

How Do I Find a Sozialwohnung?

The Problem

There are far more WBS-eligible people than Sozialwohnungen available. In many cities, waiting times are months to years. Still, the WBS is worthwhile — you have more options.

Where to Look?

1. Municipal housing companies — e.g., SAGA (Hamburg), degewo/HOWOGE (Berlin), GWG (Munich)
2. Housing cooperatives — many have Sozialwohnungen, but require a cooperative share (€500–3,000, refunded when you move out)
3. Online portals — Immobilienscout24, WG-Gesucht (filter: "WBS required")
4. Housing office — some offices actively mediate apartments
5. Social organizations — Caritas, Diakonie, housing aid help with the search

Search Tips

• Prepare an application folder — WBS, income statements, SCHUFA, ID
• Be flexible — consider outlying areas and less popular neighborhoods
• Persist — ask regularly, check new offers
• Assert social priority — if homeless, pregnant, disabled, or experiencing domestic violence, you have priority

Rental Prices of Sozialwohnungen

Sozialwohnung rents are significantly cheaper:

Binding Period — How Long Does It Stay Cheap?

Sozialwohnungen have a binding period — after which the landlord may raise the rent to market level:

• New buildings (since 2000): 15–30 years binding
• Older apartments: Binding often already expired → Rent may increase

Check during the apartment viewing how long the binding period remains.

Common Mistakes

1. Not applying — many think they earn too much → income limits are higher than expected!
2. Renewing too late — renew your WBS in time (1–2 months before expiration)
3. False information — can lead to WBS withdrawal and apartment termination
4. Using only one source — search simultaneously with housing companies, cooperatives, AND online

Tips for Foreigners

1. Bring residence permit — without a valid permit, no WBS
2. Translate income statements — if income is from abroad
3. Use consulting services — migration counseling, Caritas, Diakonie help with the application
4. Language barrier: Bring someone to translate or use counseling services

Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.