Apply for a housing eligibility certificate
Proof of eligibility for renting a publicly subsidized apartment (public housing).
How to proceed
- 1
Submit an application to the Housing Assistance Office / Housing Authority
Including proof of income for all household members.
- 2
Receive the WBS
Valid for 1 year, issued based on a specific apartment size.
- 3
Search for public housing and submit your WBS
With a landlord or a municipal housing authority.
Required documents
- Proof of income for all household membersMandatory
Pay stubs, pension statements, basic income statements.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Applied for WBS but did not find public housing (WBS expires after 1 year)
- • Incorrect income year specified
Common reasons for rejection
- • Income exceeds the threshold
- • Household size too small for the requested apartment size
You can usually file an objection against a rejection.
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Households with incomes below the income thresholds established by state law.
Income limit
Depending on household size and state, e.g., Bavaria: single-person household with an annual income of €12,000.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 80.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Applied for WBS but did not find public housing (WBS expires after 1 year)
- •Incorrect income year specified
Common reasons for rejection
- •Income exceeds the threshold
- •Household size too small for the requested apartment size
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.