What social housing means
Social housing is housing provided at below-market rents by councils and not-for-profit or regulated housing providers. It is intended to provide secure, affordable homes, but demand is usually greater than the number of homes becoming available. A record that a landlord owns homes in an area is evidence of stock, not evidence that one of those homes is available now.
Social Rent and Affordable Rent
Social Rent is normally calculated using a government or national rent-setting framework. Affordable Rent is a different tenure and can be higher. The exact terminology, rent rules and regulatory framework differ across the four UK nations, so always check the advertised home and the relevant landlord or public authority.
How homes are allocated
Many homes are allocated through a council or regional housing register, a common waiting list, nominations to housing associations, or a choice-based lettings system. Some housing associations also accept direct applications. Priority normally reflects housing need rather than simply how long someone has waited.
What to do next
Open the AHH guide for your local authority and use the verified application routes shown there. Apply through the official service, keep your application details up to date and respond promptly to requests for evidence. If you are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness, use the homelessness route rather than waiting for a normal allocation.
Find the official route for your area
AHH local guides bring together the authority, provider and application evidence we have verified for each area. Use them to move from general guidance to the official service responsible for your application.
Browse UK local housing guidesAbout this guide
AHH distinguishes between evidence that affordable housing exists and evidence that a particular home is currently available. Always verify eligibility, rent, charges, deadlines and availability with the official organisation before acting.