Considered Rental Costs
In the calculation of housing benefit, the gross cold rent is taken into account. This is composed of the net cold rent and cold operating costs such as water, waste disposal, and property tax. Heating costs, hot water, and electricity charges are not included in the calculation of housing benefit.
Regional Rent Levels
The amount of housing benefit also depends on the so-called rent level, which varies regionally. Towns and municipalities are classified into different rent levels from I to VII, with higher levels applicable for higher rents in urban areas. Depending on the rent level, a maximum recognized rental amount is set, which is taken into account for the calculation of housing benefit.
Maximum Recognized Rent
The housing benefit office considers only the rental costs up to a certain upper limit, which varies depending on rent level and household size. If the actual rent exceeds this limit, only the maximum recognized amount is included in the calculation. If the rent is below it, the actual rental amount is taken into account.
Calculation of Gross Cold Rent
The gross cold rent is the sum of the net cold rent and the cold operating costs. Trainees who live in a shared accommodation must declare their individual rental share. The gross cold rent is used as the basis for calculating housing benefit, provided it is within the permissible limit.
Proof of Rental Costs
To calculate the housing benefit, proof of the rental payments is required. This can be provided through the rental agreement, current bank statements, or receipts from the landlord. The proofs must clearly indicate the amount of the cold rent as well as the cold operating costs.
Special Cases in Rental Costs
In some special cases, such as subletting or living spaces used partially for commercial purposes, the housing benefit office can conduct an individual calculation of the claimable rental costs. It is also examined whether rental cost subsidies from third parties, such as parents or employers, are taken into account in the calculation.
Changes in Rental Costs
If the rental costs change during the receipt of housing benefit, for example due to a rent increase, this must be reported to the housing benefit office immediately. In such cases, the housing benefit entitlement will be recalculated. An increase in rent may lead to a higher housing benefit payment, provided the new rental costs remain within the recognized limit.
Rent for Owner-Occupied Housing
In the case of owner-occupied housing, the so-called burden, meaning the monthly expenses for interest and repayment, is used instead of rent as the basis for calculating housing benefit. Maximum limits also apply here, which vary according to the local rent level.