The council housing waiting list in England: how to join and what moves you up

England's council housing queue does not work like a ticket line: your position depends on how badly you are housed now, not on the date you applied. GOV.UK puts it plainly — councils decide who gets offered housing using a points or banding system, and points and bands are based on housing need. Someone who applied yesterday can be offered a home before someone who has waited three years.

Who can apply for council housing?

You can apply if you are 18 or over, and some councils accept applications from 16. You apply through your local council: there is no single national list, and each council has its own rules. One detail many people miss — GOV.UK states you may be able to apply even if you do not live in the area. Nothing is guaranteed: you join a waiting list, and GOV.UK advises asking your council how long you are likely to have to wait.

What moves you up the list?

Housing need, not time served. GOV.UK gives three examples of people likely to be offered housing first: those who are homeless, those living in cramped conditions, and those with a medical condition made worse by their current home. Medical evidence and proof of overcrowding are therefore not supporting paperwork — they are what moves the application. Once you are high enough on the list, the council contacts you about an available property.

What is bidding, and does it cost money?

It does not, and that is the most common misunderstanding about choice-based lettings. Some councils run this scheme, which lets you tell the council which properties you are interested in. GOV.UK sets out the basic steps: find a property — in local papers, on council websites, in council offices or in local libraries; check you can apply for it, since some homes are only suitable for single people, families or disabled people; apply, which "is known as bidding, but it does not involve money"; and get the council's decision. You can bid online, by phone or by text.

What happens if you turn an offer down?

You normally only have a short time to accept an offer. Refusing one does not throw you off the list: you can usually stay on it or bid for other properties, but you may be put lower down. Keep rejecting offers and you may be taken off the list temporarily. If you are unhappy with the council's decision, you can appeal — GOV.UK lists this as a right of its own.

What tenancy will you be given?

New council tenants are usually offered an introductory tenancy, which normally lasts 12 months and works like a trial period. After 12 months you automatically become a secure or flexible tenant, unless the council has started action to evict you or extended the introductory tenancy by a further 6 months. On an introductory tenancy you cannot make major improvements, swap your property with another council tenant, or apply to buy it through Right to Buy.

A secure tenancy is the strongest: you can normally live there for the rest of your life as long as you keep to the conditions, rent out rooms (but not sub-let the whole property), buy through Right to Buy, swap with another council or housing association tenant with permission, and make improvements. A flexible tenancy runs for a fixed period, usually at least 5 years and in some cases between 2 and 5. At the end the council may offer another fixed term, offer a secure tenancy, or not renew — and if it does not renew it must explain why and give you a chance to challenge the decision.

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Who repairs what?

The split is clear. You are likely to be responsible for things like fixing a curtain or shower rail, getting keys cut if you lose them, and paying to put right damage caused by you or your visitors. The council is responsible for keeping the structure in good condition — walls, ceiling, roof and windows — for the safe working of gas and electrical appliances, for shared parts of the building or estate, and for fire safety. Every council publishes a policy setting out the timescales for different types of repair, and that is the document to quote.

If major works mean you have to leave, the council must find you somewhere to live and pay for it, and you may also get money towards moving costs and the inconvenience. Damage caused by the works should be repaired by the council, and heavy disruption may justify a rent reduction.

Where do you complain?

Two steps. First complain to the council under its own complaints policy. If you and the council cannot resolve the problem, contact the Housing Ombudsman — online complaints form, email info@housing-ombudsman.org.uk, or telephone 0300 111 3000.

Is a housing association the same thing?

Similar, but separate. Housing associations offer similar types of housing to councils, often to people on a low income or who need extra support. You can apply directly or through your local council, and to more than one association at a time. They are also known as Registered Social Landlords or Private Registered Providers of Social Housing.

ONLYWAY NEWS note: points, bands and timescales differ from council to council, and your own council's website is the only reliable source for your area.