Your Apartment Has Become Too Big – because your children have moved out, your life situation has changed, or you travel a lot for work? Since spring 2023, WBM has been supporting tenants to move into a smaller, more suitable apartment.

Why move to a smaller apartment?
Housing needs change. What used to be ideal may now be too big or impractical. With our apartment downsizing program, we support you in your search for a smaller, more suitable apartment within our housing portfolie. This takes the pressure off you and even helps to make more efficient use of housing space in Berlin.

Your benefits

• Tailored apartment offers: Tailord apartment offers: Depending on availability, you can receive up to three suitable apartment offers within twelve months. You can decide whether the apartment suits your needs and schedule a.
• Fair rent: The monthly rent for the new apartment is based on the local comparative rent (without a new rental surcharge) or the applicable subsidy regulations.
• No double rent: By coordinating the move-in and move-out dates, you won’t have to pay double rent.
• Rent reduction possible: Tenants with low incomes may receive a one-time rent reduction when moving to a smaller apartment. The following applies:
  • Households with an income up to WBS 140 can receive a reduction of up to two net cold rents.
  • Households with an income up to WBS 220 can receive a reduction of up to one net cold rent.
    The review is carried out by WBM.

Who can participate?
All current main tenants of WBM who wish to downsize their apartment size by at least one room and 10 square meters.*

Here’s how it works:
If you're interested, please fill out the form at:
wbm.de/mieterservice
and send it via email to: info@wbm.de
or by post to:
WBM Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin-Mitte mbH
Postfach 420116

Downsize now. And feel right at home again.

* The new, smaller apartment must remain sustainably affordable for the tenant, meaning the rent must not exceed one-third of the household's monthly income and there must be no risk of overcrowding. There is no legal entitlement to a housing change.

What is not included in the offer?

Requests for a larger apartment or for apartments outside of WBM’s portfolio cannot be considered. There is no legal entitlement to a housing change.

Who is not fitting for this offer?

If you do not wish to downsize or if your current lease still has a minimum rental period, unfortunately, you are not eligible for this offer. When reviewing specific smaller apartment options, we must also ensure the financial burden is manageable and that the new apartment is appropriately sized for the household. Therefore, the total rent (including utilities) must not exceed 40% of the household’s net income, and overcrowding must be avoided.

What are the conditions fort he housing change?

You must downsize by at least one room and a minimum of 10 m². The new apartment will be offered at the local comparable rent rate—without the usual surcharge for new leases. There is no legal entitlement to a housing change.

Why is it worth making the change?

A smaller, more suitable home can make everyday life noticeably easier. This apartment change offer is designed to support you in that transition.

Do I need a housing entitlement certificate (WBS) for the change?

No, a WBS is not required to take advantage of this housing change offer. However, having a current WBS increases the number of potential apartment options. Please indicate this in the application form. If no WBS is available, the move can only be made to an apartment that does not require a WBS upon rental.

Are there any financial aids for the apartment change?

If your household income falls within the income limits for WBS 100 – WBS 220, you may be granted a one-time waiver of up to two net cold rents for the new apartment. Operating costs are excluded and will apply from the start of the lease.

On the website of the Senate Department for Urban Development and Housing you can find out under which circumstances you can apply for a WBS or whether you are entitled to receive a WBS.

I’ve submitted my change request – what happens next?

Within twelve months, you will receive up to three suitable apartment offers. If one of them fits your needs, the housing change will be coordinated in such a way that you won’t be burdened with double rent payments.

What is the difference between a housing change and a housing swap?

With a housing change, you receive offers for suitable apartments from within WBM’s portfolio. The focus is on moving from an oversized apartment into a smaller one.

With a housing swap, you independently search for a swap partner using the apartment exchange portal of the state-owned housing companies.

Is there a legal right to the housing change?

No. The offer is voluntary and depends on individual eligibility and the availability of suitable apartments.