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England

Council housing

Advice for council and housing association tenants, people on the housing register and those who want to apply.

Get on the housing register

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 - if your situation has changed or you think the council has made a mistake about your priority.

Apply for a larger home if you live in overcrowded housing - you could be classed as overcrowded if you do not have enough bedrooms where you live now.

Ask for a review of a waiting list decision - if your application is refused, you think you should have more priority or 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 housing register.

Moving or swapping homes

Inheriting or passing on a tenancy

Use our tool

Check your rights to stay in your home when the tenant dies.

Answer up to 3 questions to get advice and next steps based on your situation.

Paying rent and service charges

Complaints

Complain about a council or housing association - complain to the council or housing association first. Complain to an ombudsman if you're not happy with the final response.

Check your tenancy rights

Council and housing association tenants often have strong tenancy rights.

Use our checker to find out about your rights based on your tenancy type.

Who do you pay your rent to?


Last updated: 13 March 2024

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