Strong in Everyday Life – Live Well & Live Better

As a WGL tenant, you can submit a request at any time if you need an accessible housing solution for health or age-related reasons. Our goal is to make your daily life safer and more comfortable.

Here's how we'll proceed together

Using the application for accessible home modifications, we will assess the feasibility of the project, determine whether your long-term care insurance will cover the costs, and plan a customized solution for you, including a cost estimate. Once approved, the modifications will be carried out by specialized contractors and billed afterward.

Important documents

• Request for Accessible Renovation
• Cost approval from your long-term care insurance provider (based on a cost estimate)

Please send the completed application to servicecenter@wgl-lev.de

Sometimes you can find yourself in financial trouble through no fault of your own. The key is to act early! We’ll help you find solutions before the situation gets out of hand.

Here's how we'll proceed together

• Contact us: Please contact your tenant services representative or our Service Center immediately—by phone or email.
• Consultation: Together, we will review your situation and discuss possible options, such as payment plans or assistance programs.
• External support: We can put you in touch with counseling agencies such as Caritas, Diakonie, or AWO, which specialize in debt counseling.

Important documents

• Your lease agreement details
• Proof of income and expenses
• Any decisions regarding housing assistance or social benefits

Anyone wishing to move into a publicly subsidized apartment (social housing) needs a valid housing eligibility certificate (WBS). This is issued by the housing authority of the city where you currently live. It is issued to households whose annual gross income does not exceed certain limits. The WBS is valid for one year and entitles the holder to move into social housing in the state where it was issued.

Requirements

• You are of legal age
• You would like to establish permanent residence
• Primary residence in Leverkusen or a current certificate of residence (not older than two months)
• Compliance with income limits based on household size
• For foreign nationals: a valid residence permit (valid for at least one year)

Here's how we'll proceed together

As soon as you receive our approval to rent a publicly subsidized apartment, please apply for the WBS at the housing office in your city as soon as possible.

Are you not from North Rhine-Westphalia but planning to move here? We recommend contacting the Leverkusen Housing Authority directly to find out about the specific requirements.

Important documents

• an application form completed and signed by all adult members of the household
• Copy of your ID card or passport
• Income statement with supporting documents (e.g., pay stubs, pension statement, profit and loss statement for self-employed individuals)
• Depending on the situation: proof of disability, certificate of enrollment, notices from the Job Center or social services

Further information

• City of Leverkusen Portal
• Download the application form from the NRW Municipal Portal

Once you have received the WBS, please submit the signed original to your tenant services representative.

Housing assistance is a government subsidy for housing costs intended for low-income households. It is designed to help cover rent or expenses related to owner-occupied housing. Eligibility applies if the primary residence is in Leverkusen and income limits are not exceeded. The amount of housing assistance depends on:

• Number of household members
• Total income
• Amount of rent or charges

Important documents

• completed application form
• Copy of the lease agreement
• Current Landlord Verification
• Proof of rent payments (last three months)
• Proof of income for all household members
• if necessary: documentation of special circumstances (e.g., severe disability)

Important Information

• Housing assistance is generally granted for 12 months; after that, a new application must be submitted
• Use the BMWSB Housing Allowance Calculator – BMWSB to check your eligibility in advance
• Important: Apply for housing assistance only through the official municipal portal—not through external websites

Proper waste separation is not only required by law, but also helps create a pleasant and hygienic living environment. Together, we can increase the recycling rate and protect the environment.

Why recycling is important

• Environmental protection: Recycling allows valuable raw materials such as paper, glass, and metals to be reused
• Save money: Improperly filled trash bins result in additional costs, which—if the responsible party cannot be identified—are passed on to all tenants in the building
• Neatness in the neighborhood: Keeping the trash area tidy prevents unpleasant odors and pests

How to sort your trash properly

• General waste (gray bin): Anything that cannot be recycled (e.g., diapers, vacuum cleaner bags, soiled paper)
• Paper (blue bin): Newspapers, cardboard boxes, brochures – please make sure they are clean, dry, and folded
• Yellow bag / recycling bin: Plastic, metal, and composite packaging (e.g., yogurt cups, beverage cartons)
• Organic waste (brown bin): Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags
• Glass: Sort by color and place in the glass recycling bins (clear, green, and brown glass)

Practical Tips

• Please make sure the yellow bags are securely tied and put them out on the street only on collection day
• Keep trash areas clean – avoid leaving trash lying around
• Bulky waste, electrical appliances, and hazardous waste do not belong in household trash bins; they must be disposed of separately
• Check the AVEA website for collection dates

More information on waste separation in Leverkusen

Info: What goes where? | AVEA

Flyer: Join in, Sort Your Trash! | AVEA

Recycling Bin Locations: Recycling Bin Locations | AVEA

AVEA Waste Management and Logistics is primarily responsible for collecting household waste and recyclables directly from residents’ doorsteps. AVEA offers professional and environmentally responsible collection, recycling, and disposal services for all types of waste. Here you will find comprehensive information on waste disposal, collection schedules, bulky waste, and the donation of items within the city limits.

www.avea.de

Saving energy isn’t just about protecting the environment—it’s also about lowering your own costs. With a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce your energy use—without sacrificing comfort. There are many ways to use energy wisely at home. It starts with energy-efficient appliances and extends to small tips for cooking and doing laundry. You can find more tips and tricks here.

Heating and Ventilation

• Lower the room temperature: Lowering it by just 1 °C can save up to 6% in heating energy—20–22 °C is sufficient for living areas
• Proper ventilation: Open windows wide for short bursts several times a day (5–10 minutes) instead of leaving them slightly ajar all the time—this saves on heating costs and prevents mold
• Keep radiators clear: Don't place furniture or curtains in front of them so that the heat can circulate properly

Use hot water wisely

• Install a flow restrictor: Save up to 30% on hot water costs
• Take shorter showers: Turn off the water while soaping up—it saves energy and money

Saving electricity made easy

• LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs: LEDs use up to 80% less electricity
• Avoid standby mode: Turn devices off completely or use power strips with on/off switches
• Choose energy-efficient appliances: Check the energy efficiency rating when buying new appliances
• Full Washing Machines: Make the Most of Your Washing Machine's Capacity
• Use residual heat: Don't remove the pot or pan from the stove immediately after turning off the heat
• Air-drying laundry: During the summer months, skip the dryer every now and then and take advantage of the nice weather.
• Choosing a Plan: Compare Electricity Rates

More tips

• Close the roller shutters at night, if you have them: This improves insulation
• Wash at 30°C: Saves energy and is gentle on your clothes
• Active consumption monitoring: e.g., through regular meter reading reports

Please refer to the BMWK’s energy-saving brochure for more details.

We are currently working on installing fiber-optic internet in our residential buildings. Our goal is to provide our tenants with a modern, high-performance, and future-proof internet connection. We plan to use FTTH (Fiber to the Home) – meaning fiber-optic cables will be run directly into each apartment. This will allow you to enjoy top speeds and stable connections in the future, which are ideal for browsing the web, streaming, and working from home.

The expansion will take place in phases and depends, among other things, on permits and necessary civil engineering work. Marketing has already begun in some areas, with additional residential complexes to follow gradually.

For part of our housing portfolio, we are partnering with Westconnect GmbH, a subsidiary of E.ON and Telekom. In this regard, tenant consultation meetings are currently being held. The affected households will be notified in writing in advance.

Important for you:
Your existing DSL internet service (NetCologne) will remain unchanged. The fiber-optic connection is an additional option. The decision to sign up for a fiber-optic contract is, of course, entirely up to you.

By expanding our fiber-optic network, we are laying the groundwork for a high-performance digital infrastructure—both today and for the future.

Our neighborhoods are more than just places to live—they are places where people come together. To ensure everyone feels at home, we encourage active participation. Your ideas and your commitment make all the difference!
Civic engagement is an indispensable part of social life. Many tenants, initiatives, and organizations are actively involved in our neighborhoods. Our program is designed to support this engagement. To this end, WGL provides 2.00 euros per year for each rental unit.

Have you always wanted to make a difference in your neighborhood and get involved? Start planning your own project today.

Why getting involved is important and worthwhile:

• Experience community: Get to know your neighbors and share your own ideas
• Strengthening the Community: Interactions Build Trust and Foster Harmony
• Improving quality of life: Community-led projects such as neighborhood gatherings, playground activities, and urban gardening bring the neighborhood to life
• Promoting diversity: Every voice counts—whether young or old, whether you have a family or are single
• Get involved in shaping your neighborhood: Whether it’s planting initiatives, fitness programs, or cultural projects—we welcome your suggestions
• On-site support: WGL Neighborhood Management and partner organizations assist with organization and funding

Here's how we'll proceed together

Submit your idea to us using the questionnaire. We will review your application and get back to you as soon as possible. If appropriate, we can put you in touch with our local network partners (in the fields of culture, sports, and social work).

Requirements The overall goals of the QuartiersMacher project are to engage and empower WGL tenants. Accordingly, funding is provided exclusively for projects and activities that meet the following criteria in particular:

• Strengthening civic engagement
• Strengthening the self-organization of stakeholders
• Strengthening Community Life
• Development of the neighborhood
• Promotion of civic engagement and the
  volunteer sector
• exclusively for public benefit purposes

The following are eligible for funding:

• Material and supply costs for implementing the project
• Capital costs
• Renovation and restoration projects

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Ongoing operating and property expenses
• Costs for expenses and services that are resold
• Fines, monetary penalties
• Travel expenses
• Deposits

Important documents

• Applicants' contact information
• Questionnaire 
• potential partners
• approximate cost estimate

Please send the completed application, along with all supporting documents, to quartier@wgl-lev.de

Our neighborhood community centers are vibrant places for exchange, connection, and community. They provide a space for conversations, events, and projects that strengthen our sense of community and improve the quality of life in the neighborhood.

What makes these meeting places special?

• Open doors for everyone: Whether families, seniors, or young people—everyone is welcome
• A wide range of activities: from creative groups and neighborhood breakfasts to counseling and recreational activities
• Convenient locations: The meeting spots are centrally located in our residential neighborhoods and are easily accessible

Examples from our neighborhoods

• QuartiersTreff Wiesdorf (Old Fire Station): Open café, craft groups, market breakfast, Walk & Talk, and neighborhood discussions on current topics such as health or retirement planning www.quartierstreff-wiesdorf.de

• FreiRaum Alkenrath: A new community hub offering language support, an intercultural café, and hands-on activities—created by and for the neighborhood www.diakonie-leverkusen.de

• Manfort Community Center: Start-of-the-Week Breakfast , Cultural Café, Swap Days, Games Group for Seniors, Job Application Assistance, Telephone Check-in Service, Garden Project, and the Free Store www.diakonie-leverkusen.de

• Rheindorfer Laden: Parents' breakfast , family counseling sessions, playgroups, coffee hours, debt counseling, counseling for immigrants www.rheindorfer-laden.de

• Opladen Store: Family consultation hours, baby and playgroups, counseling services, family breakfast, café www.awoleverkusen.de

Check the respective website for current dates and offers.

Learn more about the wide range of services offered by AWO Leverkusen. Under the "Services" tab, you’ll find many interesting options related to housing, ranging from outpatient care services to in-home emergency response systems.

www.awoleverkusen.de

Caritasverband Leverkusen e.V. is a nonprofit organization and part of the Catholic Welfare Association. It offers a wide range of social services to people in various life situations.

www.caritas-leverkusen.de

The Diakonisches Werk of the Evangelical Church District of Leverkusen is a nonprofit organization of the Evangelical Church. It supports people facing social, mental health, and financial crises and is committed to promoting social inclusion and charity. Its work is non-denominational and is carried out by both professional staff and volunteers.

www.diakonie-leverkusen.de

Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V. in Leverkusen is a Christian aid organization that has been supporting people in need for decades. Its range of services includes medical and emergency services, outpatient care and home emergency response, disaster relief, and social services. Malteser is also a trusted partner for first aid training for people of all ages.

www.malteser.de

Suchthilfe gGmbH Leverkusen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addiction treatment and prevention. It provides outpatient services, performs the functions of the Social Psychiatric Service in the area of addiction, and serves as a central point of contact for those affected and their families.

www.suchthilfe-lev.de

Frauennotruf Leverkusen e.V. is a counseling center dedicated to combating sexual violence. It is designed to assist women and girls who have experienced sexual violence, as well as their family members and professionals. Counseling is free of charge, confidential, and anonymous upon request.

www.frauennotruf-lev.de

The network provides advice and support to expectant parents and families with children from birth through to school age. All services, such as telephone counseling, baby consultation hours, and the mothers’ café, are free of charge. Please use the link to contact the network location nearest you.

Early Intervention | City of Leverkusen

Problems with parenting, school, financial difficulties, or legal issues. Families often face major challenges. Sometimes, a simple piece of advice is all it takes to make a big problem seem smaller. Other times, professional help is needed to find a way out of the situation. It’s worth taking a look at the Leverkusen Family Guide:

Family Assistance | City of Leverkusen