Most councils have online application forms.

You can also ask your council for a paper form.

Use our lookup to find your council's forms and waiting list details. 

The council housing register is sometimes called the housing waiting list.

What to say on the application form

Tell your council if you have problems where you live now, for example:

• disrepair

• overcrowding

• violence or harassment

• you need a home adapted for disability or health issues

For example, you might need a home with a wet room, handrails and lower kitchen work surfaces if you are disabled.

Include information about any:

• disabilities

• mobility problems

• health problems or welfare needs

Get letters from your doctor or a health professional as evidence.

A support worker or occupational therapist could write a letter saying how your housing affects your health or wellbeing.

Choose more than one area to live

The application form might ask you what area you want to live in.

Choosing more areas gives you a better chance of getting a home.

ID and references

Councils might ask for ID and a reference. They might ask you to bring documents to a council office.

Contact the council if you do not hear back

The council should write to you when they have looked at your application.

Contact the council if you have not heard back after a month.