“KdU” stands for costs of accommodation and heating. There is no uniform nationwide rent cap for all Jobcenters. The locally responsible municipal bodies determine which accommodation costs are considered reasonable in the respective comparison area. Therefore, you should not use nationwide tables from the internet without checking them.
Where can you find the official values?
Search the website of the city, district or Jobcenter for terms such as “accommodation costs,” “KdU guideline,” “rent cap,” “reasonableness limits” or “housing assistance.” Some municipalities publish guidelines as PDFs, while others link to tables or provide the values only upon request. If in doubt, ask the benefits department for the currently valid version and the relevant comparison area.
The values may differ depending on household size, place of residence or the housing market. Also check whether the table lists gross cold rent, net cold rent plus operating costs, or an overall reasonableness limit. Heating costs are often assessed separately.
What does reasonableness mean?
Under Section 22 SGB II, actual expenses for accommodation and heating are recognized insofar as they are reasonable. The assessment covers more than just living space. Rent structure, ancillary costs, type of heating, household size and the particular circumstances of the individual case may be important. Special rules apply to accommodation costs during the statutory waiting period; heating costs generally continue to be taken into account only in a reasonable amount.
How to check a housing offer
- Note the cold rent and operating costs separately.
- Add the heating costs and type of heating.
- Document the living space and household size.
- Compare the figures with the current municipal guideline.
- Submit the complete offer to the Jobcenter.
- Wait for written approval.
An online calculator can provide initial guidance, but it does not replace a decision by the Jobcenter. In cases involving disability, care needs, pregnancy, children or other special circumstances, additional questions may arise.
If the guideline values are missing or seem outdated
Ask the Jobcenter in writing to provide the currently applied reasonableness limits and the calculation. Keep the PDF version, date and email. In the event of a rejecting decision, legal remedy deadlines apply; seek advice if necessary from aConsult a social counseling service or a specialist lawyer.
FAQ
Is there a nationwide KdU table? No. Affordability is determined regionally.
Are heating costs included in the KdU limit? This depends on the local calculation; check the guideline carefully.
Can the Jobcenter always reject an apartment that is too expensive? The decision must take the statutory rules and the individual case into account.
May I sign without prior approval? You can do so under private law, but you risk the costs not being fully recognized.
Further guides
- Appropriate rent at the Jobcenter: This is how it is calculated
- Housing offer for the Jobcenter: This information is important
- Jobcenter pays for housing: Which rent is covered?
Sources and note
As of: August 25, 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual legal advice. Local guidelines and the specific Jobcenter decision are authoritative.