You can apply for a housing eligibility certificate (WBS) at your local authority. In Lower Saxony, the districts, independent cities, large independent municipalities, and independent municipalities are responsible for this. You can also obtain the necessary forms there.

The housing eligibility certificate contains information on the eligible individuals, compliance with the relevant income limits, and the maximum permitted living space.

The housing eligibility certificate entitles you to move into a subsidized apartment (social housing). There is no legal entitlement to be assigned such an apartment.

The apartment you wish to move into must not exceed the maximum size specified in the WBS.

Some social housing units are reserved for specific groups of people. These may include, for example, students, seniors (minimum age 60), people with disabilities, or large families (at least three children). If you belong to a specific group, this will also be indicated on the housing eligibility certificate.

The housing eligibility certificate is generally valid for one year, meaning you can move into social housing within this time frame. Once the certificate expires, you can apply for a new one. When signing the lease, the housing eligibility certificate must be presented to the landlord.