Renting from the council or a housing association
Not-for-profit landlords
Renting from a council or housing association is also called 'social housing', 'public housing', or 'not-for-profit housing'.
Manchester City Council once owned over 100,000 rented homes. But we own and manage less than 3,000 now. Many were sold through the right-to-buy scheme, but the majority have been transferred to new not-for-profit landlords - like housing associations and housing trusts - who have been able to raise the many millions of pounds needed to bring these homes up to decent modern standards.
Rents in not-for-profit housing tend to be lower than in private renting, although the gap is closing. Tenants usually have more security, with long-term tenancy agreements, rights of succession (to pass on the home to family members when they die), and legal protection.
Big demand
But there's a big demand for this type of housing in many areas. The council, and all other not-for-profit landlords, have rehousing rules to decide who gets homes. Generally, the more urgent your need-to-move, the higher your priority; and the better your chance of a home. Some rehousing rules also give increased priority to those who make a contribution to the community.
Some housing is reserved for people over a certain age, to reduce the problems caused by conflicting lifestyles. In some areas you can get a home quickly if you are an older person, but may have to wait much longer if you are young - especially if you don't have a high rehousing priority.
Increase your options
Many people think this sort of housing is their only choice, and accept that they may have to wait a long time. But these days there are more housing options available and it is better to be flexible to get a home that's right for you. See how to increase your housing options.
If you still want to go for a council or housing association home, you can register for rehousing and look for available homes on the Manchester Homefinder website. Homefinder has lots of information about other types of housing too.
