Housing

Social housing allocation

Local authorities are responsible for managing the allocation of social housing in their area. Social housing is often referred to as council housing.

Accommodation provided through an allocation will usually be permanent housing, which may include:

• council housing provided by the local authority
• a housing association tenancy
• housing transferred from the local authority to a registered social landlord
• sheltered housing

To apply for social housing, a person must apply to the housing register. In some cases, a person may also be able to apply directly to a social housing provider.

Eligibility

The rules determining eligibility for social housing allocation are broadly the same as those for homelessness assistance.

Local authorities may also set additional eligibility criteria, for example based on:

• behaviour
• rent arrears history

Every local authority must have an allocation scheme under Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996. This applies even where housing stock has been transferred to a private registered provider.

The allocation scheme must set out:

• how housing is allocated
• the application process
• the criteria applicants must meet
• how priority for housing is determined

Councils are also required to provide free advice and information about housing applications.

Existing tenants

Eligibility rules do not apply to existing social housing tenants.

If a person’s immigration status changes and they no longer meet the eligibility criteria, this will not affect their existing tenancy. For example, a person who becomes subject to NRPF will still be able to remain in their social housing tenancy. In contrast, landlords in the private rented sector may be required to carry out right to rent checks.

Where a person loses access to public funds or employment due to a change in immigration status, they may be at risk of rent arrears and homelessness, and should seek advice from a housing adviser.

Mixed households

Housing allocation rules can be more complex where a person is part of a mixed status household, with members holding different immigration statuses.

For social housing allocation:

• eligibility applies to the main applicant only
• however, local authorities may still take all household members into account when determining the size and type of accommodation

For example, an ineligible dependent child may still be considered when deciding what accommodation is suitable. 

Cases with mixed households are complex and may require specialist housing advice. Find housing advice.

Joint tenancies

Only eligible applicants can be granted a social housing tenancy. A person who is ineligible cannot be named as a joint tenant.

However, when assessing housing need, local authorities must consider all household members, regardless of eligibility. This includes children and others living in overcrowded conditions.

Where a tenancy is granted through a local authority’s allocation scheme, it will often be offered as a joint tenancy where the applicant has a partner. Where a partner has no recourse to public funds (NRPF):

• a joint tenancy cannot be granted
• the tenancy will usually be offered as a sole tenancy to the eligible applicant
• the partner will not be treated as accessing public funds

Further information is available in the Home Office guidance on public funds.

Page updated: 20 May 2026