Subsidized rent

State subsidies for accommodation

Subsidized rent

Due to the housing shortage, the German government has frequently intervened in the housing sector to guarantee accommodation for people with limited incomes.

A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is a certificate required to live in apartments that have been built using state subsidies. A Wohnberechtigungsschein is only available to people below a certain income level. To qualify, your residence permit must have been issued for one year. You can obtain further information on the WBS permit from the local housing authority ( Amt für Wohnungswesen) listed in the phone book under Stadt.

People with limited means can also apply for a housing allowance ( Wohngeld) from their local town hall.

When looking for a flat it is often helpful to visit you local Wohnungsamt (Housing Office) to get information on Wohnungsgesellschaften (state-run housing associations with flats for rent).

Another form of subsidized housing are state subsidized student residencies .

Further reading

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