Housing Benefits in a Shared Apartment
Apprentices living in a shared apartment (WG) can apply for housing benefits if they are listed as the main tenant or subtenant in the rental agreement. The prerequisite is that they bear their share of the rent themselves and do not receive any other state support such as BAföG or Vocational Training Allowance (BAB).
Proof of Rent Share
To apply for housing benefits in a shared apartment, the individual rent share must be documented. This proof can be provided either through a separate rental agreement for the respective room or through a written agreement with the main tenant or landlord. It is crucial that the rent share is clearly defined to accurately calculate the amount of housing benefits.
Main Tenant and Subtenant
In a shared apartment, both main tenants and subtenants can apply for housing benefits. Main tenants apply for housing benefits based on the entire rental agreement, while subtenants can prove their rent share based on the sublease agreement. It is essential that the applicant presents themselves as an independent tenant and regularly makes rent payments.
Joint Household Management
In shared apartments, it is usually assumed that there is no joint household management, allowing each resident to submit their application for housing benefits individually. The income of cohabitants is not considered, as long as no need community is established, such as with life partners.
Relevance of Rent Level
The amount of housing benefits is also calculated in shared apartments based on the regional rent level. Only the individual rent share is taken into account. It is important for the rent to remain within the local rent level parameters to be eligible for support.
Housing Benefits with Changing Roommates
Since shared apartments often have changing roommates, the right to housing benefits remains as long as the applicant continues to be a tenant of the apartment and meets the requirements. Changes in the composition of the shared apartment do not need to be reported as long as they do not affect the applicant’s rent share.
No Housing Benefits for Free Accommodation
Apprentices who live in a shared apartment for free, for example, as guests at friends’ homes, have no right to housing benefits. The prerequisite for receiving benefits is that actual rent costs are incurred and verifiably paid.