Rent arrears; application for takeover to secure accommodation

If you have rent debts, you can receive financial help to avoid homelessness.

Rent debts can arise due to inability to pay and may lead to the loss of your accommodation.

If you have rent debts, these can be covered under certain conditions if this serves to secure your accommodation.

You will receive this support in the form of a loan or a grant. Unlike a loan, a grant does not have to be repaid.

The prerequisite is that you are not in a position to pay the rent arrears on your own. The decision as to whether you receive assistance is always a case-by-case decision. You can still apply for support even if you have already been given notice to leave your apartment due to the rent arrears.

The authority will check whether all the requirements for taking over your rent debts are met. You can also seek advice on how to clear the rent arrears by paying in installments, for example.

There is no legal entitlement to the assumption of your rent arrears.

• Required document/s
  • Application for payment of rent arrears
  • Current statement of claims or rent account statement
  • Reminder, notice of termination or eviction notice
  • Tenancy agreement or rent certificate
  • utility bill
  • Proof of income for the last 3 months of all persons living in the household, for example
    • payslips
    • Job center notices
    • Income of the children
  • List of all other expenses including proof, e.g. insurance policies
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months
  • If applicable, proof of other debt obligations, for example
    • installment payments
    • credit agreements
  • If applicable, rejection of an installment payment by the landlord or a bank
  • Identity card or residence permit
  • Further proof if necessary

• the costs of your current accommodation are reasonable
• Your landlord or landlady has agreed in writing to the continuation of the tenancy
• You have declared your intention to stay in the apartment for a longer period of time
• there is no possibility of eliminating the emergency situation on your own, for example by agreeing to pay in installments
• Future rent payments are secured, for example through direct payments from the responsible benefit provider

• Objection
• You will find further information on how to lodge an objection in the notification of your application.

There is no deadline. However, you should always contact us as soon as possible if you have rent arrears.

There are no indications or special features.