Germany Housing — Wohngeld, Sozialwohnung, Mietspiegel
Germany is a tenant-protection society built on long-term renting. More than half the population rents for life, and rent levels, terminations, and increases are tightly regulated by law. The biggest contrasts with Korea: (1) deposits are capped at three months' rent, (2) rent increases are limited, and (3) two big subsidies for low-income households exist — Wohngeld (housing benefit) and Sozialwohnung (public housing).
Wohngeld (housing benefit)
- A subsidy that helps low-income tenants and homeowners with rent and ancillary costs. Bürgergeld recipients get housing covered separately, so they're not eligible for Wohngeld.
- Amount: depends on household size, income, rent, and the local rent level (Mietstufe, 6 tiers); on average about EUR 370/month (as of 2026; subject to change).
- Apply at your local city/district Wohngeldstelle.
- Foreigners with a residence permit qualify. Students cannot stack BAföG and Wohngeld.
Sozialwohnung (public housing)
- Housing built with public subsidies and rented below market. To qualify you need a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS, housing entitlement certificate).
- WBS thresholds vary by state — typically a 4-person household with annual income up to EUR 40,000–55,000 (as of 2026; subject to change).
- In big cities (Berlin, Munich, Hamburg) waiting lists run for years.
Mietspiegel (rent index)
- Local average rent data published by city or district. To raise rent, landlords are tied to this index within ±20%.
- Mietpreisbremse (rent cap): in regulated cities, new contracts cannot exceed the local average by more than 10%. Applies in Berlin, Hamburg, and other major cities.
What foreign tenants should know
- Lease (Mietvertrag): German is the binding language. Open-ended contracts (unbefristet) are standard, with 3 months' written notice for termination.
- Deposit (Kaution): capped at 3 months' rent, held in a separate non-interest account.
- Anmeldung (residence registration): within 14 days of moving in, using the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung issued by the landlord. This registration is the foundation for all admin.
- Schufa (credit score): almost mandatory for renting. Right after arrival, employer letters of guarantee can substitute.
Things to watch
- Nebenkosten (utilities and heating): ads usually quote "Kaltmiete EUR 900" + "Nebenkosten EUR 250" separately. Always add them for the real cost.
- Deposit refund: settled 3–6 months after moving out. Check who is responsible for cosmetic repairs (Schönheitsreparaturen) in the contract.
- An "unmöbliert" (unfurnished) flat usually means you bring your own kitchen, light fixtures, and even curtain rods — a big difference from Korea.
Official guidance: BMWSB Housing, Wohngeld info