Each council decides who can join their waiting list.

The details are 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 if you cannot find it on their website.

Some councils have a summary.

Can you get on the waiting list?

You can usually join the housing register if you:

• count as 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

Local connection

You might need to live or work in the area for a time before you can go on the waiting list.

But you can apply anywhere if you need to move because of domestic abuse.

You can also apply anywhere 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 died in service and you have to leave armed forces housing

You can usually apply at any council if you leave armed forces housing because you split up.

If you have rent arrears 

The council might not let you 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.

The council should be sympathetic if your rent arrears are from armed forces housing after your notice to vacate ended.

You can ask the council not to count these rent arrears.

Antisocial behaviour

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

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

You could also join if anyone responsible for the behaviour has left your home.

If you are a homeowner

You cannot usually join the housing register.

But you could 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 says 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.