You need to meet immigration and residence conditions to join the housing register.

You're likely to meet these conditions if, for example, you have refugee status, EU settled status or indefinite leave to remain (ILR). 

Look at your council's allocations policy

Each council has their own rules about who can join the waiting list.

The rules are explained in a document called an allocations policy.

Find your council's website on GOV.UK and search for 'housing allocations policy'.

Ask the council for a copy of the allocations policy if you cannot find it on their website.

Allocations policies are often long but some councils publish a summary.

People who can go on the waiting list

You can usually join the housing register if you:

• count as being legally homeless

• live in overcrowded or very bad conditions

• need to move because of a disability or medical reason

• need to move to care for a relative

• are leaving care or armed forces housing

In some areas only people in situations like these can join the waiting list.

Residence or local connection rules

Your council policy might say you must live or work in the area for a set time before you can go on the waiting list.

The policy does not apply if you move to the area because of domestic abuse.

These rules cannot be used if:

• you are or were in the regular armed forces

• you are disabled, seriously injured or ill because you were in the reserve forces

• your married or civil partner has died because of their service in the regular armed forces

The policy should not usually apply if you have to leave armed forces housing because you split up.

Rent arrears 

The council might not let you go on the housing register if you have a history of rent arrears. This is more likely if you owe rent to the council.

But the council might let you join if you agree to deal with your rent arrears over time.

The council should be sympathetic if your rent arrears are from armed forces housing after the notice to vacate ended. You can ask them not to count this as rent arrears.

Antisocial behaviour

You may not get on the list if you have been involved in antisocial behaviour,

But you could still join if you can show that your behaviour has changed. For example, if you are using any support services.

You could also join if the person responsible for the behaviour has left your household.

Homeowners

Homeowners often cannot join the housing register.

But you could join if you:

• need sheltered or supported accommodation

• cannot live in your home after a relationship breakdown

• live in an unsuitable or overcrowded property and you cannot fix things

If the council say you cannot go on the register

The council should write to tell you their decision.

Find out how to challenge a council waiting list decision.