Apply for public housing
Assignment of publicly subsidized rental housing with reduced rent to households holding a housing eligibility certificate.
How to proceed
- 1
Apply for a housing eligibility certificate
Requirements for being assigned public housing.
- 2
Apply to housing companies/co-ops
With WBS for municipal or publicly funded housing authorities.
- 3
Sign a lease
The rent is limited to the maximum amount specified in the grant notification.
Required documents
- Housing Eligibility CertificateMandatory
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 3 months
Official: max. approx. 2 months
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Did not apply for a housing eligibility certificate before looking for an apartment
- • Applied only to a landlord or housing cooperative
Common reasons for rejection
- • Invalid housing eligibility certificate
- • Limited availability of suitable apartments
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Households with a valid housing eligibility certificate (WBS) whose income does not exceed the state’s income limits.
Income limit
Income limits under the State Housing Assistance Act, based on household size (e.g., single persons: approx. €18,000–24,000 gross annual income, depending on the state).
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 3 months
Success rate
approx. 50.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Did not apply for a housing eligibility certificate before looking for an apartment
- •Applied only to a landlord or housing cooperative
Common reasons for rejection
- •Invalid housing eligibility certificate
- •Limited availability of suitable apartments
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.