Registered Social Landlords (or Housing Associations) are independent voluntary organisations that provide affordable housing in a similar way to the Council. Many specialise in the needs of particular client groups, such as elderly people or those with mobility problems.

They usually get grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, and that helps them to keep rents lower than private landlords. Generally, the types of tenancies available for housing association properties are similar to Council tenancies, whereas private rented properties often have tenancies for fixed periods of 6 months or a year to start with. For this reason (and because housing associations are socially-responsible landlords), properties are in high demand. Chances to rent housing association properties don't come up often and tenancies usually go to people or families who are in desperate need.    

Housing Registers and 'Nominations'

In many areas, local housing associations have joined up with the Council to create a 'Common Housing Register'. What this means is that, rather than having to fill out lots of application forms, you fill out just one, and your details are available to all the participating 'social' landlords in the area when they have property available. If you ask for a housing register application from your local Council, it will be clear on the form whether there is a Common Housing Register (or you could ask).

Where there is no Common Housing Register, it is usual for the Council to have 'nomination rights' to at least half of the empty housing association properties becoming available in the area (with the remainder being available for 'transfers' of tenants already living in the association's property) . In order to stand a chance of being put forward for these vacancies, you normally have to tell the Council that you are interested in nomination - and it is up to the Council to put you forward if they think you are the best candidate. Generally, there is a question on the Council's housing application form about whether you are prepared to be nominated. If you don't recall this and you are not sure if you are being considered, ask the Council.

In some areas (and for certain types of property), housing associations may accept direct applications rather than nominations through the Council, but this is unusual.

Remember these points about nomination.....

• Before you can be nominated, you must meet the individual Housing Association's criteria, which may be different from the criteria the Council applies for its own properties.  It doesn't necessarily follow therefore, that the highest priority person on the Council's list will be nominated;

• It also doesn't necessarily follow that, if you are nominated, the housing association will accept you.

• You may not be the only person nominated for a property particular property. Some associations ask for several nominations at a time from which they can choose.

• Housing Associations allocate sheltered accommodation to persons aged 55 years or over;  

• Nominations to Housing Associations are made in response to a request by an Association when they have specific vacancies or a newly built scheme.  The Council don't send Associations random lists of people who wish to be nominated.

Choice Based Lettings

Increasing numbers of social housing providers (Councils and housing associations) are introducing 'Choice Based Lettings' (CBL) Schemes. What this means is that, once you register, you are given information about properties that come up for letting, and you decide whether to put yourself forward for consideration. Rather than being 'allocated' a property that someone else thinks will suit you, you can make your own choices about what you are considered for.

Of course there are not necessarily more properties becoming available, so there are likely to be lots of people 'bidding' for each home, and the landlord will still need to make a decision about which applicant will get the chance to move in. If you bid for the less popular homes you will be in competition with less people, and so stand more of a chance. In a way, you can decide how long you are prepared to wait.

Again, if the list that you apply for is run in this way, it will be clear from the information the landlord gives you.

Finding Housing Associations in your area

Specific Kinds of Housing

 Housing Associations sometimes provide special kinds of housing. Follow these links: