What are the basic requirements to apply for council housing?

To be eligible, you must be habitually resident in England, subject to immigration status restrictions. You must not fall into an excluded category, such as being subject to immigration control without recourse to public funds. Additionally, you must meet any local connection requirements set by the specific council. Note that being eligible for the housing register does not guarantee a home, as waiting times can exceed 10 years in high-pressure areas.

Who qualifies for priority need in council housing?

Priority need generally applies if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days. It also applies if you have dependent children, are pregnant, or are vulnerable due to old age, mental illness, disability, or other special reasons. Being at risk of or fleeing domestic abuse also qualifies. This status relates to the homelessness duty under Part VII, while priority banding on the general housing register is determined by the council's own scheme.

How do councils decide who gets a home?

Local authorities in England must have an allocation scheme under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996. Each council sets its own policy within statutory limits, and most operate a points or banding system. While councils can give preference to those with a local connection (such as residence, family, or work), they are not required to do so. You should check the specific council's allocation scheme for detailed rules.

Is a homelessness application different from applying to the housing register?

Homelessness applications under Part VII are separate from the general housing register and may result in more immediate temporary or permanent accommodation. In contrast, being eligible for the general housing register does not guarantee a home, with waiting times potentially exceeding 10 years in high-pressure areas. The specific outcomes depend on whether you are making a homelessness application or simply joining the waiting list.

← All Checklists

eligibility

Housing Law

Updated 2026-04-09

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.

0 of 9 items checked

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

Related Guides

Making a Homelessness Application

Related Rights

Official Resources

Gov.uk — Apply for Council Housing →Shelter — Council Housing →

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic requirements to apply for council housing?: To be eligible, you must be habitually resident in England, subject to immigration status restrictions. You must not fall into an excluded category, such as being subject to immigration control without recourse to public funds. Additionally, you must meet any local connection requirements set by the specific council. Note that being eligible for the housing register does not guarantee a home, as waiting times can exceed 10 years in high-pressure areas.
Who qualifies for priority need in council housing?: Priority need generally applies if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days. It also applies if you have dependent children, are pregnant, or are vulnerable due to old age, mental illness, disability, or other special reasons. Being at risk of or fleeing domestic abuse also qualifies. This status relates to the homelessness duty under Part VII, while priority banding on the general housing register is determined by the council's own scheme.
How do councils decide who gets a home?: Local authorities in England must have an allocation scheme under Part VI of the Housing Act 1996. Each council sets its own policy within statutory limits, and most operate a points or banding system. While councils can give preference to those with a local connection (such as residence, family, or work), they are not required to do so. You should check the specific council's allocation scheme for detailed rules.
Is a homelessness application different from applying to the housing register?: Homelessness applications under Part VII are separate from the general housing register and may result in more immediate temporary or permanent accommodation. In contrast, being eligible for the general housing register does not guarantee a home, with waiting times potentially exceeding 10 years in high-pressure areas. The specific outcomes depend on whether you are making a homelessness application or simply joining the waiting list.