In Baden-Württemberg, people with low incomes may be entitled to so-called social housing, which is subsidized by the state. To qualify, they need special documentation called a housing eligibility certificate (WBS). This certificate allows them to pay lower rent. Many people are entitled to social housing, but there is a shortage of suitable apartments everywhere. “40 to 45 percent of households in Tübingen are entitled to social housing. This includes many families with average incomes who can apply for a housing eligibility certificate due to the high rents in Tübingen,” according to the city of Tübingen’s website. Social housing is always cheaper than other housing, but the exact rent depends on the age, location, and standard of the apartment.
Requirements
The most important requirement is that certain income limits are not exceeded. The annual income of all household members is decisive. For example, a two-person household in Baden-Württemberg with an income of up to €57,800 per year can obtain a housing allowance certificate for an apartment at reduced rates. This also applies to foreigners who have a residence permit for more than one year.
Application
The local authorities in your place of residence are usually responsible for this. Applicants who do not yet live in Baden-Württemberg can contact the local authority in the area where they wish to live in the future. You can apply for a housing eligibility certificate in your desired municipality using the following application form:
Service Portal BW | Apply for a housing eligibility certificate
The housing eligibility certificate is valid throughout the federal state and is valid for a maximum of one year. If you move to a new social housing apartment, you must apply for a new certificate. With the housing eligibility certificate, you can then apply to several housing associations in the district of Tübingen, such as GWG or Kreisbau. An overview can be found in the Jobcenter brochure “How to find an apartment in Tübingen”:
Jobcenter | How to find an apartment in Tübingen (PDF)
Living space
Social housing must have a certain size and number of rooms, depending on the number of people in the household. The housing eligibility certificate therefore contains information on the size of the apartment that is appropriate and thus corresponds to the size of the applicant’s household. For example, a two-person household is entitled to up to 60 square meters of living space. Special regulations apply, for example, to people with disabilities or for the admission of persons in need of care into the apartment. In such cases, there is an entitlement to a larger apartment.
More detailed information on apartment sizes can be found in the MLW BW | Brochure on housing eligibility.
The state supports social housing construction
Baden-Württemberg supports social housing construction with low-interest loans and subsidies. In return, builders – mostly housing companies – must comply with occupancy and rent restrictions for a certain period of time. In January 2024, there were around 53,600 such state-financed apartments in Baden-Württemberg that were subject to occupancy and rent restrictions. However, the need is much greater: according to a study cited by the “Staatsanzeiger,” the state needs 200,000 additional social housing units.
Further information can be found at: MLW BW | Wohnberechtigung
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