You can lose your home for various reasons (for example, because of an eviction action due to rent arrears, a termination by the landlord due to behaviour contrary to the terms of the lease or because of personal use, or because of a fire or water damage)
If you are threatened with losing your home due to rent arrears, you can apply for social assistance. If you already receive or are entitled to citizen's allowance (SGB II benefits), you can apply to your local job centre to have your rent debts paid. If you have already become homeless and need support in renting a new flat, for example by paying a rent deposit, you can also contact the social welfare office/job centre.
If you are acutely homeless, you can initially be given a place in emergency accommodation. Please contact your local authority for this.
Responsible authority
the social welfare office
Social welfare office is,
- if you live in an urban district: the municipal administration
- if you live in a rural district: the district administration
Note: Some rural districts have transferred responsibility to larger towns in their district. If you live in a rural district, the district administration office or the municipal administration of your place of residence can tell you which authority is responsible.
If you receive or would like to apply for citizens' allowance, the local job centre of the city or district is responsible for you.