Rent Subsidy Calculation — Wohngeld for Tenants in Düsseldorf
The rent subsidy (Mietzuschuss) is the most common form of Wohngeld. It is available to tenants who have rented a flat or room and whose income is insufficient for rent costs. The rent subsidy is paid monthly and does not need to be repaid.
What Counts as Eligible Rent?
The Wohngeld calculation is based on the so-called eligible gross cold rent. This is composed of:
- Net cold rent (basic rent without service charges)
- Cold service charges (e.g. property tax, building cleaning, garden maintenance, caretaker, lift)
Not included in eligible rent:
- Heating costs and hot water (these are covered by Bürgergeld or other benefits)
- Electricity costs
- Costs for a parking space or garage (if rented separately)
Maximum Rent Amounts in Düsseldorf
For the calculation, rent is only taken into account up to the maximum amount according to Rent Level IV. The maximum amounts are:
| Household Members | Maximum Amount (Rent Level IV) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | 456 € |
| 2 Persons | 555 € |
| 3 Persons | 663 € |
| 4 Persons | 776 € |
| 5 Persons | 887 € |
| 6 Persons | 987 € |
Practical example: You are a single person paying €500 net cold rent. The maximum amount is €456. For the Wohngeld calculation, only €456 is applied — the remaining €44 of your rent is disregarded and must be borne by you alone.
How Does the Rent Level Affect Wohngeld?
In simplified terms: the closer your rent is to the maximum amount, the more Wohngeld you can receive. If your rent is significantly below the maximum amount, your potential Wohngeld entitlement is reduced — because the formula assumes a certain 'reasonable rent burden' that you bear yourself.
Example: Impact of Rent Level
Single person, Wohngeld-relevant income €1,000:
| Actual Net Cold Rent | Applied Rent | Approx. Wohngeld |
|---|---|---|
| 456 € | 456 € | ca. 285 € |
| 400 € | 400 € | ca. 250 € |
| 350 € | 350 € | ca. 220 € |
| 300 € | 300 € | ca. 190 € |
Subletting Arrangements
If you live in a sublet room, you can also apply for a rent subsidy. A written sublet agreement is required. The rent is then calculated proportionally based on the floor area of your room. For unfurnished subletting, the same maximum amounts apply as for your own flat.
Rent Subsidy vs. Cost Subsidy
While tenants receive the rent subsidy, owners of self-occupied residential property are entitled to the cost subsidy (Lastenzuschuss). The cost subsidy is not based on rent but on the monthly costs of the property (e.g. mortgage interest, property tax, maintenance costs). However, the calculation follows the same basic principles.