City Council decides to update the accommodation and heating cost guidelines
Today, a majority of the City Council decided to update the City of Chemnitz's guideline on the appropriateness of expenses for accommodation and heating in accordance with the German Social Security Codes II and XII.
The legislator stipulates that this guideline must be updated every two years. An adjustment had also become necessary in Chemnitz in connection with the rent index that came into force on 1 January 2014, on whose data collection on rental costs in Chemnitz the revised guideline is based.
Accordingly, higher accommodation costs for those entitled to benefits are now recognised. In contrast, the city's subsidies for heating costs to benefit recipients have fallen slightly for one and five-person households. Overall, the costs for accommodation and heating have been adjusted to the local conditions in the city of Chemnitz.
For example, a single person entitled to benefits who now moves into a flat can claim a gross rent (i.e. rent + ancillary costs) of 270.24 euros. Previously, the rate was €267.84. In addition, there is an entitlement to an allowance for heating costs.
The new guideline also dispenses with the previous stipulation of a maximum rent per square metre. This gives prospective tenants entitled to benefits greater leeway in their choice of accommodation.