Skip to content
Emergency

Job center does not pay the full rent: reasonable housing costs

With Bürgergeld, the job center covers the costs of accommodation and heating (KdU), but only to the extent that they are 'reasonable'. What is reasonable is based on local reference values. If the rent is too high, a cost reduction can be demanded, though not overnight.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Create letter to authority →

Your chances of getting your money back

The job center bears the costs of accommodation and heating in the actual amount, to the extent that they are reasonable (§ 22 SGB II). Reasonableness is based on local reference values for dwelling size and rent level.
If the costs are too high, they usually only have to be reduced after a transitional period (often six months). During this time the actual costs continue to be covered. A move must be reasonable and possible.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the reference values

    Find out the local reasonableness limits for your household size.

  2. 2

    2. Check the request

    Look into whether a valid cost reduction request with a deadline exists.

  3. 3

    3. Cite special circumstances

    Assert reasons that justify higher costs or staying.

  4. 4

    4. File an objection

    You can file an objection within the deadline against a coverage that is too low.

How to spot the scam

  • The rent is cut immediately, without a cost reduction request and deadline.
  • Special circumstances (health, children, housing market) go unconsidered.
  • The objection deadline passes.

Frequently asked questions

Which housing costs does the job center pay?

The actual costs of accommodation and heating, to the extent that they are reasonable (§ 22 SGB II). Reasonableness is measured by local reference values for a reasonable dwelling size and the rent level at the place of residence. These values differ from city to city.

May the job center simply cut the rent?

Not immediately. If the costs are unreasonably high, the job center usually has to request a cost reduction and grant a transitional period (often six months), during which the actual costs continue to be covered. Only afterward can it be cut to the reasonable amount.

What if a move is not reasonable?

Then the higher costs may have to continue to be covered. Reasons can be illness, disability, age, the children's schooling or care situation, or a tight housing market without cheaper alternatives. You should present such circumstances to the job center.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

Create letter to authorityCheck a suspicious message
More help: Emergency by phone · Act together · Right to a lawyer · All guides

General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.