Renfrewshire Council

If you're looking for an affordable, long-term home, you could:

• apply for council housing
• apply to rent a home from a housing association.

You could apply for both options, but you might prefer one over the other.

Read this guide to learn more and help you decide whether to apply for council housing, housing associations, or both.

Council housing

What council housing is

'Council housing' are houses and flats owned by the council. They have more affordable rents and more secure tenancies than many private rentals.

Who can get council housing

You can apply for council housing if you're over 16.

Because there's lots of demand for council housing, we offer homes to people based on their level of need. You're more likely to get a council home if you:

• are homeless or could become homeless
• live in a home that's too small for the number of people living there
• have a medical condition made worse by your current home.

Check our housing allocation policy if you want the full details.

How council housing works

Once you've applied for council housing, we'll contact you within 10 days to discuss your housing needs and options. Then, once you're on our waiting list for council housing, you can:

• wait until we contact you about an available home in Renfrewshire
• 'bid' on certain homes that are available in specific areas of Paisley, Renfrew, and Johnstone.

Council housing comes with more affordable rents and more secure tenancies. There are other benefits, such as having some repairs and maintenance covered by the council. But you might be on our waiting list for a while, depending on your level of need and what homes are available.

Learn more about council housing and how to apply.

Housing associations

What housing associations are

Housing associations are not-for-profit organisations that provide affordable homes to people.

Although housing associations are not part of the council, we work closely with them to help local people find homes. For example, we can refer people who have applied for council housing to get a housing association property.

Who can apply to housing associations

Anyone who is 16 or older can apply to a housing association.

Because of demand, housing associations usually prioritise people from specific groups, including:

• people on a low income
• older people
• disabled people
• people who need support to live in their own home.

How housing associations work

You must apply directly to a housing association, not to the council, if you want to get onto a housing association's waiting list.

Different housing associations cover different areas, so you might want to apply to more than one, depending on where you want to live.

Once you're on a waiting list, the housing association will contact you once they have a suitable home to offer you.

Housing associations come with more affordable rents and more secure tenancies. They invest their revenue back into the homes and communities they serve.

Learn more about housing associations and how to apply