Local authority housing has traditionally been the main option for those who could not afford decent housing from their own resources. While other housing options have been introduced in recent years, local authorities remain the main providers of social housing, making available a range of rented housing to meet a variety of accommodation needs.
Do I qualify?
If you are in need of housing and unable to provide it from your own resources,
you may apply for local authority housing. In assessing your application,
the local authority will take into account such factors as household size,
household income, your present accommodation (if any), the condition of that
accommodation and any special circumstances including age, disability, medical
circumstances etc. If you feel that you qualify for local authority housing,
talk to your local authority.
Where do I apply?
The larger local authorities have offices dealing specifically with housing
applications. Smaller local authorities usually have an officer designated
to deal with housing issues in their area. Addresses and phone numbers of
local authorities are listed in the State Services Section towards the front
of the telephone directory.
If I qualify what do I do next?
If you are accepted by the local authority as being in need of housing, you
are placed on the authority's waiting list. As houses become available to
the authority for letting, they are allocated to applicants in order of priority,
taking all circumstances into account. The authority will advise you if you
want to know the position in relation to your application. You should bear
in mind that your position on the housing list may go up or down, as your
circumstances, and those of other applicants, change.
Does inclusion on the housing list qualify me for other
housing measures?
Inclusion on the housing list presents a number of additional options to housing
applicants. For example, if your housing needs can be met by the extension
or improvement of a privately owned house (either owned by you or by a relative),
the scheme of improvement works in lieu of local authority housing may be
appropriate. You may also qualify for a low cost housing site, Shared Ownership,
Affordable Housing or the voluntary housing schemes.
What if I don't qualify?
If you don't qualify, the local authority will inform you and explain the
reasons for their decision. The authority can provide information and offer
advice on other housing options available - e.g. Shared Ownership, Affordable
Housing, local authority housing loans etc.
What happens if they offer me a house that I don't
want?
You may, of course, decline an offer of accommodation made by a local authority.
However, you should be aware that, if they consider your reasons for refusing
a house not well based, they may, in certain circumstances, reduce your priority
on the housing list.
If I get a house, how much rent will I pay?
Local authorities charge rents related to the income of the household. Therefore,
if your income is low, you can expect to pay a low rent. If your financial
circumstances improve, the rent will rise accordingly. Each authority operates
its own rent scheme and full details may be obtained from your local authority.
Can I buy my house from the local authority?
Yes. If you have been a tenant of a local authority house for at least one
year you may apply to the local authority to purchase it at a discounted price.
You may purchase the house either outright or by way of a shared ownership
option, which enables a tenant who cannot afford outright purchase in one
step to buy a share in the house now and the remainder at later stages within
25 years. If you are buying outright, you have the choice of applying to your
local authority or to a bank or a building society for a mortgage loan. If
you are buying by way of shared ownership, you may obtain a mortgage loan
from your local authority to meet the cost of the share in the house you are
purchasing. A separate leaflet on the tenant purchase scheme is available
from your local authority.
Further information
Local authority housing is available from County Councils, County Borough
Corporations, Borough Corporations and Town Councils. If you feel that local
authority housing is an option that may be suited to your circumstances, contact
your local authority for further information.