Applying for social housing

Your local council will have its own rules.

But at the very least you’ll probably need to be:

• over 18
• on a low income

Some councils may also insist on a local connection. This usually means having lived in the area for at least a few years or having family or a job there.

Find your local council’s eligibility criteria by searching for ‘housing allocations policy’ on their website. 

You can apply for social housing through your local council.

If your application for social housing is accepted, your council will add you to the waiting list and give you a priority status.

They’re responsible for allocating council houses and some housing association properties.

You might have to apply to some housing associations separately. Ask your council if any housing associations take direct applications in your area.

If your application is rejected or you think you should have been made a higher priority, you can ask the council to review their decision.

The review process

Your decision letter will tell you how long you have to ask for a review.

Check your council’s website to find out more about their review process. Contact them if you can’t find the information online.

You may need to write a letter or email outlining why you’re unhappy with the decision. Or you may be asked to attend an interview.

Make sure you give the council as much detail as possible to support your request for a review, including any relevant evidence e.g. a letter from a support worker or doctor.

Getting help with your rent

If your application for social housing is refused, you may be able to apply for universal credit or housing benefit to help with the cost of renting from a private landlord.

Emergency housing

Your council may have a responsibility to sort out emergency, short-term housing if you’re homeless and in priority need e.g. because you have children or you’re without a place to live due to domestic abuse.

If you qualify for emergency housing, you might be given a place at a bed and breakfast or a hostel.

Find out if you can get emergency housing by contacting your local council.

There is a lot of competition for social housing and being added to the waiting list is no guarantee you’ll get a home.

Councils prioritise applications based on who needs them most urgently.

You may be classed as a high-priority case if you:

• are homeless
• have a disability or serious, long-term illness
• currently live in overcrowded or poor conditions
• are moving to a new area to get medical treatment, to start a new job or because you’re in danger

Even if you’re a high-priority case, there’s no guarantee you’ll be offered a home.

You may have a better chance of success if you can be flexible about the location and type of house.

Make sure you let the council know about any changes in circumstance, as this may affect your position on the waiting list.

If you don’t keep the council updated, you could be accused of submitting a false application and this could put you at risk of eviction if you’ve already moved into social housing.

Some councils pick a home for you, while others have a bidding system.

If the council pick your home

They’ll usually let you know by phone if they have a suitable home to offer you and then send a confirmation letter.

If your council has a bidding system

Some councils have an online system where you can express interest in suitable homes that become available – this is known as making a bid.

Once bidding closes, the council will usually offer it to the highest-priority bidder.