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Scotland

Applying for social housing

Who can apply for social housing

You can apply for council housing or social housing anywhere in Scotland if you're aged 16 or over. You can apply no matter your income.

The waiting time for a home depends on your circumstances and housing needs.

If you're not a British or Irish citizen

Your immigration status affects some social housing options.

You can rent from a housing association no matter your immigration status.

You have to meet certain immigration conditions to rent a council house.

Check our advice on how your immigration status affects your housing options.

How long you'll wait

Waiting times depend on:

  • how many homes are available in the area

  • how many other people are on the waiting list

  • your priority level, which is decided by the council or housing association

How to speed up the process of getting a social home

You could get a home more quickly if you:

  • apply to all the social housing providers in your area

  • apply in any other areas you’d consider moving to

  • are flexible about the types of homes you'd consider

  • give full details about all the reasons you need a home

  • update your application if your circumstances change

Last updated: 25 July 2024

Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.

This content applies to Scotland only.

Get advice if you're in England

Scotland needs more social housing

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