Looking for housing / an apartment
Go to the local housing office (Wohnungsamt) and find out what housing is available and what you need to do. You should give notice on the apartment which you had to leave, so as not to be liable for later rental debts.
You will require the signature of the abuser to do this. If he refuses to release you from the contract, you should describe the situation to the landlord. If you cannot come to an agreement with him, you must quickly submit a complaint against the abuser for an approval to give notice.
You can apply for a certificate called a Wohnberechtigungsschein, or WBS at the housing office (Wohnungsamt). You’ll need the following papers:
- a copy of your registration with the police (polizeiliches Melderegister)
- a valid passport (Pass) or identity card (Personalausweis)
- certificate that you and your partner live apart, which is issued by your lawyer (Bescheinigung über das Getrenntleben)
- birth certificates of children (Geburtsurkunden)
- proof of income (welfare, unemployment compensation, wage, and salary documentation)
- if applicable, a medical certificate of pending motherhood (Mutterpass) - as of the 15th week of pregnancy, an unborn child is entitled to a certain amount of space in its home.
The WBS is valid throughout the Federal Republic of Germany and entitles the bearer to move into a state-subsidised apartment (Sozialwohnung).
