The rules explained here apply both to people applying for the first time, and to existing council tenants who want a transfer. They are usually also used to decide who gets a housing association or co-op place in the area.
The system councils use to assess applications for housing is often referred to as the 'allocations scheme' or 'housing register'. Procedures vary from one area to another, but all councils have to follow certain rules. They must consider every application individually, as long as you have followed the application procedure correctly.
Remember: If you need accommodation immediately, use our emergency housing rights checker to find out whether the council has a duty to provide it.
Where can I get an application form?
You can get an application form from the relevant council's housing department - their number should be in the phone book. Most councils also have application forms on their websites, which you can find through the DirectGov website.
What if I need help with my application?
You can ask the council for information and advice on how to apply. All councils are required by law to provide free information on:
- how to make an application
- who is eligible to be considered for housing
- how priority between applicants will be decided
- the procedures it will follow when it looks at your application
- what will happen when a suitable property becomes available.
Most councils will provide a leaflet explaining how their system works.
Councils also have a legal responsibility to help you if you find it difficult to apply. This could be, for example, if English is your second language or you have reading difficulties. If they refuse to do this, or you are not happy with the way the council deals with your application, get help from your local advice centre.
What information should I include?
Each council has its own application form, but they usually ask for the same type of information. The information you provide helps them decide if you are eligible and how much priority you should get.
Most application forms will ask for:
- the name, age and gender of everyone in your household, and how they are related to you
- your income, and the income of any joint applicants
- where you currently live, and what facilities and conditions are like there
- where you have been living (usually over the past five years)
- whether you have any connections with the area, such as living, working or having family in the area
- the reasons why you need to move (such as overcrowding, disrepair, medical reasons, violence or harassment, or any circumstances that make it difficult for you to find and pay for accommodation privately)
- the type of housing you need, including size, location and facilities
- any special requirements (for example, if you need to be on the ground floor because of mobility problems, or you need a home large enough for your carer to live with you).
If it's appropriate, they may also ask for details of anyone who can support your application (such as a doctor, solicitor, social worker or probation officer who knows about your situation).
Do I have to include personal information?
Before you fill in the application form, make sure you understand how the council prioritises applicants (information about this should be supplied with the form).
It is important to give the council enough information about your household, so they can assess your application properly. In particular, be sure to explain any special needs or difficulties you are having in detail. Although some of the information may seem private (eg. details about your health or your domestic situation), it is worth including as it may mean that you get extra priority. Your form will be kept confidential (see below). Enclose copies of any evidence that you have (such as photographs, medical letters, or police incident reports) and take photocopies of everything before you hand it in.
The application form will also include a declaration, which you must read, sign and date to confirm that the information you have provided is true. If there is anything in your application that you are unsure about, get advice from a Shelter advice centre or Citizens Advice before you sign.
Who will look at my application?
In many areas, the council's housing department will have special officers who assess applications and manage allocations. However, some councils employ housing associations or other external organisations to do this for them. If this is the case in your area, the contractor has to follow all the same procedures and rules as the council would have to if it managed this itself.
The council (or contractor) may pass your application on to any health and social care agencies it asks to assess your medical needs on its behalf, or to housing associations or co-ops that may be able to offer you a home. They are not allowed to tell any member of the public that you have made an application, unless you agree to it.
Can I apply jointly with someone else?
It is normally possible for two or more people to apply jointly, for example, if they are a married couple, civil partners, or living together. Applying for a joint tenancy has its pros and cons, so you should get advice before deciding whether to do so. If the council offers you a joint tenancy it would mean the following:
- If you split up, neither of you can be forced to leave without a court order. You would have equal rights to live in the property until the court decides what should happen to your home.
- Each of you would be individually responsible for paying the rent and not breaking the tenancy agreement. This means that you could be held liable if the other joint tenant doesn't pay her/his share of the rent, or causes nuisance to the neighbours.
You will not be able to apply jointly if one of you is not eligible for an allocation (for example because of your immigration status). In this situation, the eligible person can still apply for a sole tenancy, and include the ineligible person in the application, as a member of her/his household.
How will I know about the council's decision?
Once the council has decided whether you are eligible for an allocation, it will write to you to tell you the decision. If you don't have an address (for example if you are sleeping on the streets), you can collect the decision letter from the council's offices.
It's important to remember that being eligible for an allocation does not necessarily mean you will be offered a property.
If the council has decided that you are not eligible, it must explain the legal reasons why. You should get advice immediately as it may be possible to:
- ask the council to review their decision
- reapply when your circumstances have changed (for example if you have a history of rent arrears but you have since paid them off)
- get the decision changed by judicial review (you will need help to do this).
An adviser can explain these options in more detail, and may be able to help you with any legal issues.
Can I choose where I live?
You can apply to any council you choose. You do not have to be living in their area to apply. However, councils are allowed to give extra priority to people who already live in their area.
All councils should either:
- allow you to bid for individual properties that you are interested in, or
- allow you to say which areas you would prefer to live in when you apply. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you can choose the neighbourhood where you want to live. The council may divide its area in a way that does not match your preferences.
Bear in mind that there is usually a longer wait in popular areas. For more information, please see the section on getting an offer.
Do I have to keep my application up to date?
Yes. In most areas, the council will send you a letter each year, asking if you still want to be considered for housing. If you don't reply, your name will be removed from the list and any points you have gained for time waiting will be lost.
You should also inform the council if your circumstances change, for example if you have a new child or have moved home in the meantime. Changes in your circumstances may affect how much priority you get.
