Field help: (2018) The total cost of accommodation

In the case of running two households in Germany, the size of the apartment is no longer important since 2014. The proven total cost of accommodation is limited to 1.000 Euro per month, regardless of the size of the apartment.

If the second household is abroad, the 1.000 Euro limit does not apply. Here it remains the case that the actual rental costs will continue to be recognised to the extent that they are necessary and appropriate, not excessive. Housing costs are "necessary" only to the extent that they arise for an apartment with a living space of up to 60 square meters at a local rental price for an average apartment according to location and amenities. The upper limit of the deductible rental costs is therefore always the local average rental price for a living space of 60 square meters. Since this is the basic rent (Kaltmiete, not incl. heating and other additional costs), the service charges are also deductible. However, these must also be calculated for an apartment size of 60 square meters.