This information applies to Scotland

All local authorities and housing associations have to keep a housing list which is a list of names of people who have applied for, and who qualify for, housing provided by the authority. The local authority must publish the details of how to apply to be registered, how properties are allocated and when names will be removed from the register.

Each local authority has its own scheme for allocating properties but the law says that some people should be given ‘reasonable preference’ for housing. This includes people who are living in overcrowded or unhealthy housing conditions, families with dependent children and people with special needs - for instance, illness or disability.

You should make sure that the local authority know about any special needs that you or other members of your household have, and let them know if your circumstances change, for instance if a new baby is born or someone in your family develops ill health.

Some local authorities will advertise empty homes in their area so that people on their waiting list can then 'bid' for the property they are interested in. This is called 'Choice based lettings'. If your local authority uses this type of system for letting accommodation, they should give you information on how, when and where you can bid for accommodation.

For more information about waiting lists, see Finding accommodation.

Other Frequently asked questions about home and neighbourhood:

• I own my home but have fallen behind with my mortgage payments. I’ve heard about mortgage rescue schemes: what are they?
• I have received a claim for possession from the Sheriff Court because I have not paid my rent. What can I do?
• My landlord will not return my deposit. What can I do?
• I had to leave my last home and now I have nowhere to live. Do the local council have to re-house me?
• The house I rent is very damp. I told the landlord but she has not done anything about it. What else can I do?
• I rent my flat privately and the landlord wants to increase the rent. Can he do this?
• I want to take out a mortgage to buy a house. What do I need to know?
• What can I do about a mortgage endowment shortfall?
• I own my home but have fallen behind with my mortgage payments. I've heard about companies that offer sale and rent back schemes