Council housing
We have advice for council and housing association tenants as well as people who are on the housing register or want to apply for a home.
Get on the housing register or waiting list
How to apply for a council or housing association home - our guide tells you who can apply, how to apply, who gets priority and how long you might have to wait for a home.
How to move up the waiting list - read this if your situation has changed or you think the council has made a mistake about your priority.
When to ask for a review of a waiting list decision - what to do if your application is refused, if you think you should have more priority or if a tenancy offer is unsuitable.
Immigration and habitual residence conditions - these rules could affect you if you've recently arrived in the UK.
How to get homeless help from the council - this is different to applying to the waiting list.
Transfers and exchanges
Inheriting a tenancy
Can you inherit a council tenancy?
Can you inherit a housing association tenancy?
Council and housing association tenancies: when the tenant dies
Check your tenancy rights
Council and housing association tenants often have strong tenancy rights. Find out more about your rights based on your tenancy type.
Council tenancies
Introductory council tenancies
Housing association tenancies
Assured tenancies with housing associations
Housing association starter tenancies
Assured shorthold tenancies with housing associations
Secure housing association tenancies
Complaints
You can complain directly to the council or housing association.
If you're not happy with their response you can usually complain to a free independent organisation called an ombudsman.
How to complain about a council or housing association
Last updated: 9 January 2022
