Board and lodge

If the employer provides you board & lodge it must be included in the employment contract. Below you can find the maximum amounts your employer can deduct from your wages per month:

For housing

Community accommodation are characterized by following features: 

• shared wash and shower rooms, toilets and kitchen or canteen 

Accommodation must include the following:

• be freely ventilated
• be heathable
• be equipped with daylight and artificial lighting
• external doors must be lockable
• bed
• seating
• table
• lockable wardrobe
• cooking and break rooms or a canteen must be available
• a shared common room/ lounge
• easily accessible first aid kits
• for more than 50 persons in the accommodation a sick room must be provided

Washrooms and toilets 
Must be separate for women and men or it must be possible to use them separately and be available in sufficient numbers. A possibility to wash and dry clothes should also be provided. 

Minimum size of accommodation: 

• Up to six persons minimum 8,00 m²/person
• More than six to eight persons at least 8,75 m²/person

Please note! If you receive board & lodge from a 3rd party (not your employer), the amounts stated above are not applicable! In this case, make sure to have a separate contract with the specified costs for board & lodge is handed to you. 

Does your accommodation not meet the standards or do you pay too much? There are health and safety authorities where you can report violations. The advice centres will assist you in finding the right authority and formulating a complaint in German. Learn more in the chapter of Where can I get help.