Rent Levels in Düsseldorf — Rent Level IV
Düsseldorf is classified as Rent Level IV. This is good news for anyone wanting to apply for Wohngeld: the higher the rent level, the higher the rent amounts recognised by the state and the higher the potential Wohngeld.
Rent Level IV means: In a nationwide comparison, above-average rent costs in Düsseldorf are recognised as eligible. This improves the chances of receiving Wohngeld and increases the possible amount of the subsidy.
What Are Rent Levels (Mietstufen)?
Germany is divided into six rent levels (I to VI). The rent levels reflect the regional rent situation. In cities with high rents such as Munich (Rent Level VI), Düsseldorf (Rent Level IV) or Cologne (Rent Level V), the recognised maximum amounts for rent are correspondingly higher than in rural regions with Rent Level I or II.
Classification is carried out by the federal states based on local rent conditions. As the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia with a tight housing market, Düsseldorf benefits from classification in Rent Level IV.
The seven rent levels in Germany
Germany is divided into seven rent levels (Mietstufen I to VII). Mietstufe I applies to regions with the lowest rent levels, Mietstufe VII to the most expensive regions. The higher a city's rent level, the higher the rent amount that is taken into account when calculating Wohngeld. Düsseldorf is in Mietstufe IV.
Maximum Rent Amounts in Düsseldorf (Rent Level IV)
The following table shows the maximum rent amounts taken into account in the Wohngeld calculation in Düsseldorf:
| Household Members | Max. Eligible Rent (Rent Level IV) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | ca. 456 € |
| 2 Persons | ca. 555 € |
| 3 Persons | ca. 663 € |
| 4 Persons | ca. 776 € |
| 5 Persons | ca. 887 € |
| 6 Persons | ca. 987 € |
| 7 Persons | ca. 1.087 € |
| 8 Persons | ca. 1.187 € |
Please note: If your actual rent exceeds these maximum amounts, only the maximum amount is applied for the Wohngeld calculation. The portion of your rent above this is not taken into account in the calculation.
Comparison with Other Cities
For comparison: the same 2-person flat would only be recognised at a maximum of approximately €367 in Rent Level I — in Düsseldorf it is around €555. This difference can determine whether you receive Wohngeld.
| City | Rent Level | Max. Rent (2 Pers.) |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | VI | ca. 633 € |
| Cologne | V | ca. 594 € |
| Düsseldorf | IV | ca. 555 € |
| Hamburg | IV | ca. 555 € |
| Duisburg | III | ca. 480 € |
| Rural NRW | II | ca. 424 € |
What Does This Mean for Your Wohngeld Application?
Due to the classification in Rent Level IV, you have better chances of receiving Wohngeld in Düsseldorf than residents of many other cities in NRW. Households with multiple people particularly benefit from the higher recognised rent ceilings.
For example, if you as a single person pay a net cold rent of €440, this falls within the maximum amount and is fully taken into account. The same rent amount would already exceed the maximum amount in Rent Level II (rural areas).