You can apply for a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) from your local authority. Which authority is responsible for you depends on the regulations of the respective federal state. You can find out which forms and documents are required from the relevant authorities.

The housing entitlement certificate contains information on the entitled persons, compliance with the relevant income limits, the living space and the number of rooms.

The certificate of eligibility for housing entitles the holder to move into a subsidized apartment (social housing). There is no legal entitlement to the placement of a corresponding apartment.

The apartment you wish to move into may not exceed the maximum apartment size specified in the WBS. Only in exceptional cases may the number of rooms or the living space be exceeded. The administration staff will also be happy to provide you with more information on this.

Some social housing is reserved for a specific group of people. These may be, for example, students, senior citizens (minimum age 60), people with disabilities or large households (at least three children). If you belong to a special group of people, this will also be stated on the certificate of eligibility.

The housing entitlement certificate is generally valid for one year, i.e. you can move into a council apartment within this period. After the expiry date, you can apply for a new housing entitlement certificate. Furthermore, it can only be used once to move into social housing. The certificate of eligibility must be handed over to the landlord/landlady when the tenancy agreement is signed.