Accommodation and heating

According to the Second Book of the German Social Code (SGB II), basic income support for jobseekers includes benefits to ensure subsistence, including reasonable expenses for accommodation and heating in accordance with Section 22 SGB II (rent or interest on debt from property as well as operating and heating costs). These current requirements are paid in the amount of the actual expenses, insofar as they are reasonable (§ 22 Paragraph 1 SGB II).

What is meant by the so-called cover ring?

The individual items of the accommodation costs make up the total rent. If the basic rent or the cold operating costs exceed the maximum limits and at the same time the other item is below these limits, this can be used to cover the costs. When renting accommodation for the first time and when applying for the first time, the plausibility of the coverability between the basic rent and the cold operating costs must be checked. During this check, the stated operating costs are compared with the average values of similar rental properties according to the operating costs index and it is checked whether the amount of the advance payments has been calculated correctly.

Heating costs are considered separately and are not subject to the test as to whether the cover ring is complied with.
As this plausibility check can usually only be carried out by the Leipzig Job Centre, you should have the suitability of the flat checked before signing the tenancy agreement.

What are the consequences of inadequate living space?

The costs of the flat, including heating costs, are initially paid in the actual amount if the tenancy agreement already exists. This is done for as long as it is not possible or reasonable for the person entitled to benefits or the community of need to reduce the expenses by moving house, subletting or in any other way, but generally for a maximum of six months.

When is the rent paid directly to the landlord?

The direct transfer of rent to the landlord is possible at the request of the person entitled to benefits. Payment is made directly to the landlord if there are indications that the rent is not being used for the intended purpose. Rent debts should be prevented as far as possible.

When are rent debts taken over?

If costs are incurred for rent, debts can also be covered if they are justified and necessary to secure accommodation and there is otherwise a risk of homelessness. The application for the assumption of rent debts must be submitted to the City of Leipzig, Department of Social Housing Assistance.