Types of housing in Germany

In Germany, there are different types of housing to suit different living situations. Here you will find an overview of the most important types of housing and what you should know about them.

Living with a disability

For people with disabilities, it is particularly important that the home is barrier-free. This means: no steps, wide doors, elevator in the building, shower without a threshold. Such apartments are particularly common in newer buildings.

There are also Assisted livingPeople live independently, but receive support from care or assistance services if required.

In inclusive housing projects people with and without disabilities live together - with mutual support.

Tip: Advice is available from the Life support, Aktion Mensch or at the District office on site. They can also help with questions about financing.

Shared apartment (WG)

In a shared flat, you live with others in a shared apartment. Everyone has their own room, but the kitchen and bathroom are shared.

Advantages:

• The rent is usually cheaper.

• You don't need thethe landlordsin, but only the roommates.

• You get to know people quickly.

 You can find shared flats on websites such as wg-gesucht.de, Immoscout, Immowelt or in Facebook groups for your city.

Beware of fraud:

Do not pass on any personal data (e.g. ID) without having checked the offer. Do not pay any money before you have seen the apartment and signed the rental agreement.

Three shared flat models:

1. One person is the main tenant, the others are subtenants.

   • You need a sublease agreement.

2. They are all included in the rental agreement.

   • You have equal rights - but also shared responsibility.

3. Each person has their own tenancy agreement.

   • Everyone is only liable for themselves.

 Help with finding a shared flat is offered by "Living together Welcome" - online, by telephone or on site.

If you receive benefits from the job center or social welfare office, you must submit the Sublease agreementthe Main tenancy agreement and often also a Permission to sublet to the Office.

Temporary living (subletting or interim rent)

Temporary living means that you only rent an apartment or room for a limited period of time - for example for an internship, studies or as a temporary solution.

• Subletting: You rent from someone who is a tenant.

• Intermediate rent: Thethe main tenantsin is away for a while (e.g. abroad) and rents out the apartment during this time.

Most of these apartments are furnished - so you don't have to bring any furniture with you.

Important:

• Thethe main tenantsin needs permission from thefrom the landlordin for subletting.

• A written rental agreement should always be concluded.

   If you have a fixed-term contract, you often cannot terminate it before it expires - unless the contract is legally invalid. Ask the Consumer advice center or at the Tenants' association advise.

Social housing (for people on low incomes)

If you have little or no income, you can apply for a Social housing rent. These apartments are cheaper because they are subsidized by the state.

For this you need a Certificate of eligibility for housing (WBS) from the office in your city. The WBS shows that your income is below a certain limit. Without this certificate, you cannot rent social housing.
You can find more information about the WBS on the page "WBS" or directly at your city administration.

Living in old age

There are also suitable forms of housing for older people:

• Barrier-free senior apartments (with elevator, without steps)

• Assisted living: Living independently, but with help in everyday life

• Senior living communities: Several elderly people live together

• Nursing homes: When more support is needed

Many people want to stay in their own home for as long as possible - outpatient care services help with this.

 Information is available on the portal "At home in old age" (Federal Ministry for Family Affairs) or at the Caritas.