This section explains who is eligible for housing with a community landlord, how to apply, and how decisions are made about who to house first. Community landlord homes are in short supply, so it can be difficult to get one and you will probably have to wait for some time.
If you are homeless you should tell the council that you want to apply as homeless as well as applying for a permanent home.
In most council areas, the council holds a ‘common housing register’ and applications need to be made to the council. Housing registers are often referred to as ‘allocations schemes’ or ‘housing lists’.
If your local council doesn’t have a common housing register, you will probably have to apply to each community landlord directly. Check with your local council’s housing options team or get help from Shelter Cymru if you are unsure about how to apply.
You can find out more about applying for a community landlord home by clicking on the options in the table below or at the bottom of the page.
Accessible housing
Some areas have separate Accessible Housing Registers. These registers aim to :
- identify people who might need an adapted or accessible property
- identify potential accessible properties in their area
- match the person with a suitable property.
Finding a suitable property can be difficult. Make sure you explain what your access needs and other requirements are so that you can be matched with something suitable. Be prepared to wait as there is a shortage of accessible housing.
Not all areas operate Accessible Housing Registers so it is best to check with your council’s housing options team. Have a look at our page on Housing for people with special requirements for more advice.
Did you find this helpful?
This page was last updated: April 7, 2026
The information contained on this site is updated and maintained by Shelter Cymru and only gives general guidance on the law in Wales. It should not be regarded or relied upon as a complete or authoritative statement of the law.
