The Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS, housing entitlement certificate) is your ticket to a publicly subsidised flat, also called social housing. For students it is worth a look because subsidised flats are often well below market rents, but the hurdle lies in income limits and state rules.
In short: You need a WBS if you want to rent a publicly subsidised flat. It proves that your household income does not exceed the limit. The federal Housing Promotion Act (WoFG) sets 12,000 euros annual income for a one-person household, and the states may deviate. A WBS gives no claim to a particular flat (last updated: November 2026).
Key points
- The WBS is a precondition for social housing but gives no claim to a specific flat (City of Heidelberg).
- Under section 9(2) WoFG the income limit is 12,000 euros for a one-person household, 18,000 euros for two people, plus 4,100 euros for each further person and 500 euros per child.
- Under section 9(3) WoFG the states may set different limits. In Berlin the limit for WBS 140 is 16,800 euros for one person.
- The WBS is issued by the municipality, that is the housing office or citizens’ office; in Berlin by the district office.
- You must be able to run your own lasting household. A semester certificate may be among the documents.
When do students need a housing entitlement certificate?
You need a WBS only if a flat is publicly subsidised and the landlord therefore requires proof. For privately financed flats, shared-flat rooms or hall-of-residence places, it is not needed. Whether a hall place requires a WBS is for the operator to decide, so ask when you apply.
The WBS does not replace the flat search; it only opens access to subsidised flats. Even with a WBS you compete with other eligible applicants. The City of Heidelberg stresses that the WBS is a precondition for social rental housing but gives no claim to such a flat.
Which income limits apply?
The federal rule is in section 9 of the Housing Promotion Act (Wohnraumförderungsgesetz, WoFG). Households are supported whose annual income does not exceed the limits in subsection 2 or the different limits of state law. Sections 20 to 24 WoFG apply to the calculation of income.
| Household | Limit under section 9(2) WoFG (annual income) |
|---|---|
| One-person household | 12,000 euros |
| Two-person household | 18,000 euros |
| Each further person in the household | plus 4,100 euros |
| Each child within section 32(1) to (5) EStG | plus 500 euros |
Under section 9(3) WoFG the state governments may set different limits by ordinance, based on local housing market conditions. That is why values differ by state. According to the Berlin Senate Department page, Berlin has several tiers. For a one-person household they are:
| Berlin WBS tier | Annual income, one-person household |
|---|---|
| WBS 100 | Limit under section 9(2) WoFG (12,000 euros) |
| WBS 140 | 16,800 euros |
| WBS 160 | 19,200 euros |
| WBS 180 | 21,600 euros |
| WBS 220 | 26,400 euros |
According to the Berlin page, what counts is the expected gross income of the twelve months after applying or, alternatively, the twelve months before. Child benefit is not counted. The authority does the exact calculation after you apply. Whether and how BAföG, scholarships, minijob income or maintenance are included is governed by the respective state law, so ask the competent office before applying.
Can a student get a WBS at all?
In principle yes, if income and household form fit. According to the Berlin page, applicants must stay in Germany for more than a temporary period and be able to establish a lasting main residence and their own household. The Berlin page contains no special rules for students or trainees but lists a semester certificate among possible documents. Other states and municipalities may have their own rules for students. The City of Heidelberg refers to the municipalities for information. The outcome therefore depends on where you live.
A typical problem: if you live with your parents or in a shared flat, an own household is not a given. Clarify in advance whether your plan (own flat, shared flat as a household) is counted as an own household by the office.
WBS or housing benefit: what is the difference?
The WBS gives you access to a subsidised flat with a lower rent. Housing benefit (Wohngeld) is a rent subsidy that can be paid regardless of the type of flat. Both routes have their own conditions and are handled by different offices. For students, eligibility for BAföG is central to housing benefit, see housing benefit for students (in German). What changes are expected for housing benefit in 2027 is shown in housing benefit 2027 (in German).
How do you apply for a WBS?
The municipality is responsible, usually the housing office or citizens’ office. In Berlin you submit the application (form BauWohn 502) to the district office of your place of residence, or when moving to Berlin to a housing office of your choice. It comes with the income declaration (BauWohn 504) with income certificate (BauWohn 504a) and a copy of your ID, plus further documents depending on your situation. An online application via service.berlin.de is also possible. A WBS applied for online then applies to all of Berlin, according to the Berlin page. In other states, forms and deadlines differ; the competent authorities state the period of validity.
- Clarify whether you need a WBS for your purpose (a subsidised flat) and which municipality is responsible.
- Gather proof of income, ID and semester certificate.
- Submit the application to the competent office, online or in person.
- Present the WBS in applications for subsidised flats.
What should you watch when applying for a flat with a WBS?
Subsidised flats are often let by municipal or cooperative landlords who select applicants by their own criteria. The WBS is one building block alongside household size and urgency. State the number of household members correctly in applications, because flat size and WBS must match. Anyone moving into a subsidised flat is also subject to restrictions under subsidy law, for example on rent level and occupancy. Have the conditions explained in the lease and check them like any other rental contract (in German). A WBS is valid only for the period the issuing office states, so apply in good time before your planned move.
What alternatives exist for affordable housing?
If your income exceeds the limit or no suitable subsidised flat is free, other routes remain: hall-of-residence places, affordable shared-flat rooms and programmes such as Junges Wohnen (in German). Search strategies are collected in finding an affordable flat during your studies (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Is the WBS the same as housing benefit?
No. The WBS entitles you to a publicly subsidised flat, housing benefit is a rent subsidy. They are separate procedures with their own conditions.
Does a minijob keep me under the limit?
That depends on your total income and your state’s rules. Under section 9(2) WoFG the federal limit for one person is 12,000 euros annual income, and the states may deviate. Ask the housing office in advance how your income is calculated.
Is the WBS valid nationwide?
Not automatically. It is issued under state and municipal law. According to the Berlin Senate Department, a WBS applied for online in Berlin applies to all of Berlin.
Do I automatically get a flat with a WBS?
No. The WBS is only a precondition for social housing and gives no claim to a specific flat.
What to do next
- Check whether the flat you are interested in is publicly subsidised and requires a WBS.
- Ask the competent housing office about your state’s income limit and how student income is treated.
- Apply with proof of income, ID and semester certificate.
- Apply for subsidised flats with your WBS and keep alternatives ready.
Related guides
- Housing during your studies: overview (in German)
- Housing benefit for students (in German)
- Finding an affordable flat during your studies (in German)
- Junges Wohnen: who can benefit (in German)
Sources: Section 9 WoFG (income limits), Gesetze im Internet | Berlin Senate Department: Wohnberechtigungsschein | City of Heidelberg: housing benefit and WBS for students
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
