WBS apartments Hamburg: How to find subsidized housing

WBS (Wohnberechtigungsschein) apartments are an important pillar of social housing in Hamburg. They provide affordable housing, particularly for people on lower incomes, in a city that is known for its high cost of living. According to the City of Hamburg, subsidised flats exist in every Hamburg district, from HafenCity to Eimsbüttel and the Walddörfer, including popular areas like Eimsbüttel and Altona.

Basics of WBS apartments

WBS apartments, also known as social housing, are specifically intended for lower-income households. A certificate of eligibility for housing (WBS) is required to rent such an apartment, which can be obtained under certain conditions. For a broader overview, see our guide to social housing in Hamburg.

What is a Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS)?

A Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) is an official document that entitles people on a lower income to rent publicly subsidised housing. In Hamburg, it is issued by the housing department (Wohnungsabteilung) of the district office where you are registered.

A Hamburg WBS is generally valid for two years from the date of issue. If your income hasn't changed fundamentally and you're still looking after that, you can apply for a new one. Besides the general WBS, there is an urgency certificate (Dringlichkeitsschein) for people in an exceptional housing situation, for example those at risk of homelessness, people with severe disabilities, or older or ill people.

You can apply online through the HamburgService portal or in person at your district's housing department. Depending on the certificate and whether you receive social benefits, the district office charges a fee of €10.25 to €20.50.

Criteria for obtaining a WBS in Hamburg

The WBS is mainly based on your annual net income, and the limits depend on the funding tier (Förderweg) of the flat. According to the City of Hamburg, the limits under the Hamburg Housing Subsidy Act (HmbWoFG) are:

• 1st funding tier (classic social housing): €19,200 net per year for a single person, €28,800 for two people, plus about €8,100 for each additional person

• 2nd funding tier (for middle incomes): €24,000 for a single person, €36,000 for two people, plus about €12,200 for each additional person

• 3rd funding tier (since 2024, for middle incomes): €28,800 for a single person, €43,200 for two people, plus about €12,200 for each additional person

You also need a secure residence status. If your residence permit is temporary, it must have been issued for at least 12 months and still be valid for at least six months when you apply. The city's online pre-check calculator shows whether you're likely to qualify.

How big can a WBS flat be?

As a rule, a flat is appropriate if there's one room of more than 8 m² per household member. In terms of total floor space, the City of Hamburg considers these sizes appropriate: 50 m² for one person, 60 m² for two, 75 m² for three and 90 m² for four, plus 15 m² for each additional person.

Search for WBS apartments in Hamburg

Searching for WBS apartments in Hamburg can be challenging, but it becomes easier with focused strategies and by using multiple sources. According to the City of Hamburg, you can find subsidised flats through the landlord lists of the district housing offices, online and in daily newspapers, so watch for the WBS note in listings.

Effective search strategies

Apply early, keep all your documents ready, and don't rely on a single source. Our Hamburg WBS newsletter collects tips and options for WBS flats in Hamburg, and our guide to finding an apartment in Hamburg covers the wider market.

It also helps to register with housing cooperatives. The Hamburger Wohnbaugenossenschaften association brings together 30 cooperatives with almost 135,000 flats, and its site has an interactive map of the individual cooperatives and an info line for membership and flat enquiries. Our article on cooperative waiting lists in Hamburg and Berlin explains how their lists work.

Public and private providers

The municipal housing company SAGA is Hamburg's largest landlord, with around 140,000 flats (as of 2025). Alongside SAGA and the cooperatives, private landlords also let subsidised flats.

You can also contact the housing departments of the district offices directly. They keep lists of landlords with subsidised flats and help with filling in the forms.

Application process for WBS apartments

The application process for WBS apartments in Hamburg involves several steps and is heavily documentation-driven.

Required documents

According to the City of Hamburg, a WBS application includes:

• the completed application form

• a copy of your ID card or passport

• a current registration certificate (Meldebestätigung)

• the completed and signed income declaration

• proof of your income for the last 12 months

• further documents in individual cases, such as proof of a disability

Incomplete applications delay the process, so check everything before you submit.

Procedure and waiting times

You submit the application with all documents to the responsible district office, which checks your income and issues the WBS. With the WBS, you then apply directly to landlords that let subsidised flats.

Waiting times vary depending on the availability of apartments. It can take several months to several years before a suitable apartment is offered, depending on the district, the size of flat you need and your personal situation.

Living in WBS apartments

WBS apartments are ordinary rental flats with a few important differences that work in the tenant's favour.

Rent and tenancy

The starting rent of a subsidised flat is fixed when the flat is funded, and rent increases are only possible every two years under the rules of the relevant funding guideline, according to the City of Hamburg. Apart from that, the usual tenancy rules apply: the landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs, and you're responsible for paying rent on time and following the house rules.

Shared facilities

Shared facilities such as laundry rooms, playgrounds or common rooms depend on the individual building, so ask the landlord when you view a flat. Cooperatives also keep their members informed through member magazines; the Hamburger Wohnbaugenossenschaften association, for example, publishes "bei uns". As a cooperative member, you also have a vote at the general meeting, so you have a say in how your cooperative is run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for several apartments at the same time?

Yes, it is recommended that you pursue several applications at the same time to increase your chances.

How long is a WBS valid in Hamburg?

Generally two years from the date of issue.

What is the income limit for a WBS in Hamburg?

In the 1st funding tier, €19,200 net per year for a single person and €28,800 for two people. Higher limits apply in the 2nd and 3rd funding tiers.

How long is the waiting time for a WBS apartment?

The waiting time varies greatly and can range from a few months to several years, depending on the location, type of apartment and personal situation.

Is there an age limit for obtaining a WBS?

No, obtaining a WBS does not depend on age, but on income and specific living circumstances.