Eligibility Checklist for Council Housing
Check whether you are likely to qualify to be added to a council housing waiting list under the Housing Act 1996.
Overview
Local authorities in England must have an allocation scheme under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended by the Homelessness Act 2002 and Localism Act 2011). Each council sets its own policy within statutory limits. Most councils operate a points or banding system. Being 'eligible' for the housing register does not guarantee a home — waiting times can exceed 10 years in high-pressure areas. Homelessness applications (Part VII) are separate and may result in more immediate temporary or permanent accommodation.
Eligibility to Apply
You are habitually resident in England (subject to immigration status restrictions)(Essential)
You do not fall into an excluded category (e.g. person subject to immigration control without recourse to public funds)(Essential)
Check the council's allocation scheme — some groups are excluded from the housing register entirely
You meet the local connection requirements of the specific council if applicable
Councils can (but are not required to) give preference to those with a local connection (residence, family, work)
Priority Need
You are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days
You have dependent children living with you
You or a household member are pregnant
You or a household member are vulnerable due to old age, mental illness, disability, or other special reason
You are at risk of or fleeing domestic abuse
Priority need applies to the homelessness duty (Part VII) — priority banding on the housing register is set by the council's own scheme
Intentional Homelessness
You have not deliberately done (or failed to do) something which caused you to lose settled accommodation(Essential)
If the council finds you intentionally homeless, the housing duty is reduced — always take legal advice before leaving accommodation