Rental costs
Rental costs are referred to as accommodation and heating costs in the citizen's income.
Rental costs are recognized as a necessity if they are reasonable.
When assessing the appropriateness of an apartment, the size of the living space and the rent must be taken into account.
When assessing what size of living space is reasonable, the following values from the living space usage regulations are decisive in North Rhine-Westphalia:
1-person household: | 50 square meters |
|---|---|
2-person household: | 65 m² |
3-person household: | 80 m² |
4-person household: | 95 m² |
(15 m² more for each additional member of the household) |
In addition to size, the cost of the living space is also important when assessing its suitability.
The local authority responsible, in this case the city of Hagen, determines what costs are reasonable. The reasonable costs are set out in the local guidelines for SGB II.
The costs are determined within the framework of a coherent concept or the housing allowance table (with surcharge). These are subject to constant updating and adjustment. Currently, the following rental values (gross cold rent = basic rent plus ancillary costs, excluding heating costs) are considered reasonable.
If the costs are not reasonable and the apartment is already occupied at the time of application, you will be informed of the unreasonableness in writing.
The actual costs are taken into account for a maximum of 6 months. If the costs are not reduced to a reasonable level, e.g. by moving, subletting, or similar, only the reasonable costs will be taken into account from the 7th month onwards. This means that you will have to pay the portion of the rent that is not covered by the Jobcenter yourself.
The reduction in costs also affects the utility bill.
If you are already living in your apartment when you submit your application, a profitability calculation will be carried out. Minor amounts will be taken into account.
These do not apply when renting a new apartment.
waiting period
In the first year of receiving citizen's income, the appropriateness of accommodation costs is not checked (waiting period). Months without receiving benefits during this period extend the waiting period.
Heating costs are not subject to the waiting period and are generally only recognized to a reasonable extent.
The waiting period does not mean that unreasonably expensive apartments can be rented within the first year of receiving benefits. The waiting period is intended to protect existing apartments. In the event of a move, assurance must be obtained before renting while receiving benefits. Assurance will only be granted if there is an important reason for the move and the new apartment is reasonable according to local regulations.