Definition at a glance
Rent subsidy is the form of housing benefit granted to tenants of living space. It serves to make the monthly rent burden affordable for low-income households.
What is Rent Subsidy?
Rent subsidy is a state subsidy for rent. Eligible to apply are persons who have rented living space and occupy it themselves. This includes classic rented apartments, rooms in subletting, or places in a home.
Who can apply for Rent Subsidy?
Particularly the following have a claim to rent subsidy:
- Tenants of an apartment or a room.
- Subtenants of living space.
- Residents of homes within the meaning of the Home Act.
- Holders of a rent-like right of use (e.g., cooperative living).
Distinction from Load Allowance
While the rent subsidy is intended for tenants, the load allowance is aimed at owners of owner-occupied living space (houses or condominiums). The calculation bases are similar, but instead of rent, the burdens from loans and management are used for the load allowance.
Legal Basis
The eligibility to apply for the rent subsidy is regulated in Section 3 (1) of the Housing Benefit Act (WoGG).