Rented accommodation
It is possible to rent accommodation from the local authority (the council), from a
housing association or from private property owners called landlords.
Most local authorities (or councils) provide housing. This is often called “council
housing”. In Northern Ireland social housing is provided by the Northern Ireland Housing
Executive. Everyone is entitled to apply for council accommodation. To apply you must
put your name on the council register or list. This is available from the housing
department at the local authority. You are then assessed according to your needs. This is
done through a system of points. You get more points if you have priority needs, for
example if you are homeless and have children or chronic ill health.
It is important to note that in many areas of the UK there is a shortage of council
accommodation, and that some people have to wait a very long time for a house or flat
Housing associations are independent not-for-profit organisations which provide housing
for rent. In some areas they have taken over the administration of local authority housing.
They also run schemes called shared ownership, which help people buy part of a house or
flat if they cannot afford to buy all of it at once. There are usually waiting lists for homes
owned by housing associations.
Privately rented accommodation
Many people rent houses or flats privately, from landlords. Information about private
accommodation can be found in local newspapers, notice boards, estate agents and letting
agents.
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