Council housing

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

Find out more about who is eligible for council housing, how to apply for council housing and how the council decides who to house first.

If you need housing immediately – for example, if you are about to be evicted or have to leave in an emergency – the council may have a duty to house you straight away. Use our emergency housing rights checker to find out what you're entitled to.

Who is eligible for council housing

Council housing is subject to eligibility. Use our information to see who is eligible for council housing.

How to apply for council housing

Find out what information you should include when applying for council housing and what happens once you have applied to your council's housing department.

Who gets priority for council housing

Council housing waiting lists do not work on the basis of 'first come, first served'. Some people must always be given priority council housing.

Choice-based lettings

Choice-based lettings (CBL) are designed to introduce an element of choice for people who apply for council housing and housing association homes.

Getting an offer of council housing

Find out how offers are made by a council's housing department and what you can do if you think the council accommodation being offered is unsuitable.