Rent Costs

Rent costs are referred to as “costs for housing and heating” in the context of basic income support.

Rent is recognized as a necessary expense if it is reasonable.

When assessing the reasonableness of a dwelling, the size of the living space and the rent must be evaluated.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the following values from the housing space utilization regulations are decisive when determining what constitutes an appropriate living space size:

In addition to size, the cost of housing is also an important factor in assessing the adequacy of living space.
The local municipal authority with jurisdiction—in this case, the City of Hagen—determines what constitutes reasonable costs. The reasonable costs are specified in the local guidelines for SGB II.

The costs are determined based on a coherent framework or the housing allowance table (with a surcharge). These are subject to ongoing updates and adjustments. Currently, the following rent values (gross rent excluding utilities = base rent plus utilities, excluding heating costs) are considered reasonable.

If the costs are deemed unreasonable and the apartment is already occupied at the time of application, you will be notified in writing that the costs are unreasonable.

Actual costs will be covered for a maximum of 6 months. If the costs are not reduced to a reasonable level—for example, through moving, subletting, or similar measures—only reasonable costs will be covered starting in the 7th month. This means that you must pay the portion of the rent not covered by the Job Center yourself.

The reduction in costs also affects the utility bill.

If you are already living in your apartment at the time of application, a cost-effectiveness calculation will be performed. De minimis thresholds are taken into account.

These do not apply when renting a new apartment.

Waiting period

During the first year of receiving basic income support, expenses for housing and heating are recognized in the amount of the actual costs, provided they do not exceed one and a half times the costs considered reasonable in abstract terms (waiting period).

The waiting period does not mean that unreasonably expensive apartments can be rented during the first year of receiving benefits. The waiting period is intended to protect existing housing stock. When moving, an authorization must be obtained before renting while receiving benefits. Authorization is granted only if there is a valid reason for the move and the new apartment is deemed reasonable according to local regulations.