Getting on the Housing Register

Social housing is different from private accommodation for the following reasons:
- Generally offers lower costs for rent and is therefore more affordable.
- Instead of having a private landlord, you will pay rent to the council or a housing association.
- You are generally safer from evictions, as you can only be evicted for reasons such as breaking the tenancy agreement or not paying rent.
- It can be a more suitable option for people on lower incomes, with disabilities or any other vulnerabilities.
Council housing is provided by the local government, whereas housing associations are private, not-for-profit companies.

Each local council will have their own eligibility criteria for who can join the housing register. However, it will often depend on local connection, meaning that you are expected to have lived or worked in the particular area for at least a certain number of years.
You will have to be at least 18 years old. But a minor can apply for a joint tenancy with another adult.
It will also usually depend on housing needs such as:
- Being legally homeless.
- Needing to move due to a medical reason or disability.
- Leaving care or the armed forces.
- Moving to care for a relative.
- Living in overcrowded or unsafe conditions.
- Fleeing domestic abuse.
You can find your local council's housing allocations policy here.

You will have to go through your local council and will usually have to make an application online. If you need help making your application, your council will most likely give you an option to ring them to ask them for assistance.
Once you have applied you will have to wait for the council to decide to put you on the register. If they decide not to, you can challenge this decision.
If you are accepted onto the register, you will be given a priority banding. Your banding will usually determine how long it takes for you to secure housing and is based on priority need. There are five different bandings, from A to E - with A being the highest priority - and will depend on factors such as:
- Homelessness.
- Families with children.
- Mental and physical health conditions.
In some cases, you will be put on a waiting list and the council or housing association will look for housing on your behalf and in others you will have to bid on properties yourself.
How long it takes for you to be offered housing will depend on factors such as priority need, housing stock availability and how flexible you are in terms of where you can live.
To join the housing register with someone else, e.g. a partner, carer or other relative, you can make a joint application and will need to fill in both your details.

If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open: