Rent arrears may be covered if this is necessary to secure housing.

If you receive basic income support for job seekers and are at risk of losing your apartment due to rent arrears, the responsible local Job Center or the responsible joint agency may, in certain cases and upon request, provide benefits to help you pay off your debt. This assistance is typically provided in the form of a loan.

You may receive this support if you are unable to pay the rent arrears with your own funds or with help from third parties. The decision on whether you receive assistance is always made on a case-by-case basis, during which it is determined whether all requirements for assuming your rent arrears (in the form of a loan) have been met. In addition, an assessment is conducted to determine why the rent arrears occurred.

If your local Jobcenter or your local joint agency determines that you will use the money for something other than paying off your rent debt, the payment will be made directly to your landlord.

This is particularly the case if

• there are rent arrears that could lead to termination of the lease,
• electricity or gas bills have not been paid, resulting in your electricity or gas being shut off,
• you are unable to use the money to pay off your rent arrears due to illness or addiction issues, or
• there are indications of debt.

There is no legal entitlement to have your rent debts covered.