The rent subsidy is the most common form of living allowance, which is intended for tenants of flats or houses. It is intended to help low-income households cover their rental costs. In certain cases, other forms of housing can also be subsidised. But who is entitled to the rent subsidy and what requirements must be met?
Not only traditional tenants can receive a living allowance in the form of a rent subsidy. The group of eligible persons is broadly defined and includes, among others
Tenants of flats or rooms
subtenants
Owner of a co-operative flat
Residents of residential homes with an indefinite residency requirement
Tenants with similar rights of use (e.g. permanent right of residence)
(Co-)owners who live in an apartment block with more than two flats
The decisive factor is that the property is used exclusively for residential purposes. Commercial use is not eligible for a living allowance.
Tip: A good indicator of whether a right of use is tenant-like or owner-like is the land register. If you are not entered in the land register, but have an agreement with the owner/landlord regarding the use of the flat, it is usually similar to a tenancy.
In order to receive a living allowance, your income must not exceed a certain limit. This limit varies depending on the number of household members and the rent level of the place of residence. Germany is divided into seven rent levels, with higher rent levels having higher income limits.
Example income limits for a 1-person household (as of 2025):
Rent level 1: 1,443 euros net per month
Rent level 7: 1,619 euros net per month
For a family of 4, the income limit is between 3,324 and 3,671 euros net per month, depending on the rent level.
In addition to the income limits, the rental costs also play a role. These must be considered "reasonable" in order to be entitled to a rent subsidy. There are maximum amounts for this depending on the rent level.
Exemplary maximum amounts for the basic rent:
1-person household in rent level 1: 491 euros
3-person household in rent level 1: 721 euros
In principle, living allowance is only granted for one home - namely the main residence. Anyone who needs a second home for professional reasons cannot apply for a rent subsidy for this.
The amount of the rent subsidy depends on three factors:
the total income of the household
the number of household members
the amount of eligible rent
The housing benefit calculator, which many housing benefit offices offer on their websites, can be used to calculate the exact amount.
The application for a rent subsidy must be submitted to the relevant housing benefit office. Proof of income, rental costs and household members are required. The processing time can take several weeks.
Do you still need to apply for living allowance? With our housing allowance calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much living allowance you are entitled to. Check now!
In many federal states, it is now possible to apply for the rent subsidy conveniently online. The housing benefit authorities offer digital application portals through which application forms can be completed and relevant documents submitted electronically. The advantages of online processing are
Time-saving: No need to visit the authorities in person
Efficient: Automatic checking of data reduces errors
Transparency: Processing status can be tracked online
Secure transmission: digital submission protects against document loss
Some federal states already offer the option of uploading the necessary documents via an upload portal. This includes rental contracts, proof of income and proof of ancillary costs. Digital processing simplifies the entire application process and ensures faster payment of the living allowance.
In order for the rent subsidy application to be processed quickly and smoothly, all required documents must be submitted in full. These include
Application form - This does not have to be the official form
Identity card or passport - For identity verification
Tenancy agreement - Proof of the existing tenancy
Rent certificate - A confirmation from the landlord about the current rent amount
Proof of rent paid - bank statements or receipts
Proof of income - payslips for the last 12 months or certificate of earnings, pension statements, BAföG or ALG II statements
Proof of transfer payments - living allowance is only paid as a supplement, so proof of benefits already received such as child support, social assistance or unemployment benefit must be provided
Tax assessment notices or income tax return - if available, especially for self-employed persons
Proof of heating and ancillary costs - if these are to be taken into account in the living allowance
Certificate of severe disability - if applicable, as this may affect the entitlement to housing benefit
Depending on where you live and your individual situation, the housing benefit office may request further documents. If you apply online, you should check whether the documents can be uploaded digitally.
Applying for living allowance is generally free of charge. There are no processing fees, neither for the application itself nor for the examination by the housing benefit authority. However, indirect costs may be incurred, for example for obtaining the necessary documents. In some cases, landlords charge a fee for issuing a rental certificate. There may also be costs for copies, certified documents or postage if the application is submitted by post. If you submit the application online, you can often avoid these additional expenses, as many authorities allow digital submission.
The citizens' office or housing office in the district where you live is usually responsible for processing your housing benefit application. The exact responsibility may vary depending on the federal state or municipality. If you are unsure which authority to contact, you can check this on the website of the city or municipal administration.
The citizens' hotline 115 can be used to clarify direct questions or receive support with applications. This service puts callers through to the relevant authorities. Alternatively, many cities offer their own living allowance hotlines or contact forms on their websites. If you would like to submit the application online, you will often find a digital application option and further information on the official government portals.
The rent subsidy is an important support for low-income households. Anyone who does not exceed the income limits and lives in suitable accommodation can benefit from this financial relief. Applications are submitted via the Housing Benefit Office, although early submission is recommended to avoid financial bottlenecks.
Do you still need to apply for living allowance? With our housing allowance calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much living allowance you are entitled to. Check now!
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