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What does Wohnberechtigungsschein mean?

Wohnberechtigungsschein (housing entitlement certificate), WBS for short, allows you to rent a social housing flat. These flats have a lower rent.

der Wohnberechtigungsschein · die Wohnberechtigungsscheine (plural)

You get it if your income is below a limit. The limit depends on the number of people in the household and on the federal state.

You apply for it at your city or municipality, often at the housing office. It is usually valid for one year.

The certificate states how large the flat may be. The WBS alone does not give you a flat.

Example sentence

Für diese Wohnung benötigen Sie einen gültigen Wohnberechtigungsschein.

For this flat you need a valid Wohnberechtigungsschein.

What you can do

Apply for the WBS early and keep looking at the same time. Some cities have long waiting lists.

  • Wohngeld Wohngeld (housing benefit) is a subsidy towards your rent or the costs of your own home. It is for people with a low income.
  • Mietvertrag The Mietvertrag (rental contract) is the contract between you and your landlord about your home.
  • Vermieter The Vermieter (landlord) is the person or company that owns the home or rents it to you.
  • Antrag With an Antrag (application), you ask an office for something, for example money or a permit.
  • Nachweis A Nachweis is a document that proves something, for example your income, your rent or your address.