Quick Guide to Housing Associations for Single People & One Person Households

Housing Associations can be valuable resources for single people (and couples and families too). Offering similar solutions to local councils, Housing Associations are not-for-profit “social landlords”, that deliver support (typically with housing opportunities), to millions of people around the UK.

Ultimately, these associations believe every person in the country should have access to a comfortable, quality home (that they can afford). In some cases, they even build houses and flats to help support people in search of housing.

How Housing Associations Work

Housing Associations work on a “waiting list” basis. If you apply for support from one of these social landlords, you’ll be placed on a waiting list, along with details about your situation. For instance, a Housing Association might ask if you’re single, married, or have a family, so they know how to match you to the right home for your needs.

Many Housing Associations own and manage properties transferred to them by a local council. They vary in size – some own and manage just a few properties and some own thousands of properties.

Housing Associations are almost always run on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis and currently, have to abide by a set of government rules in how they run their association. This means that any money left over after collecting rent and other charges from tenants has to be used to:

  • Repair and maintain properties.
  • Buy or build new properties – Housing Associations may also get financial help from the government to build new homes.

How Much Does Rent Cost with a Housing Association?

Though housing associations can’t simply give you a home for free, they do make housing more accessible. Rents in housing association or housing cooperative properties are lower than those set for private accommodation, but normally higher than rents in council homes.

For instance, the “median” weekly rent for new social housing lettings in was around £87. Alternatively, the average rental price of a new property from a traditional landlord in 2024, is at the time of writing around £1270 per month up 7.5% in the previous year.

Additionally, as a tenant of a housing association, you can’t control the amount of rent an association charges, but you may be able to claim housing benefit to help with the cost.

Are Single People Eligible for a Housing Association Home?

While a Housing Association may ask about your marital status when you apply for support, you’ll still be able to access assistance whether you’re married, single, or in a relationship.

Most housing associations provide a range of housing suited to single people, couples, and families. Eligibility criteria and waiting lists vary according with each housing association, so you’ll need to check with each housing association in your area to find out what your chances are, if you’re eligible – and how to get on their lists.

Keep in mind some Housing Associations will prioritise supporting people in specific situations. For instance, if you’re facing homelessness, or you need to move for medical reasons, your housing association may move you up their list.

Housing Associations were set up with the aim of making accommodation available and affordable for all. In the recent past they’ve been perceived as an option for those in the lower-income brackets or in particular need. But now, as housing becomes more expensive, especially in larger cities, Housing Association rentals may increasingly provide the best opportunity for younger people, single or otherwise to find a home.

HOW TO APPLY TO JOIN A HOUSING ASSOCIATION LIST

There are two ways to apply for a Housing Association home; directly with the Housing Association or through your local council, who can provide you with a list of Housing Associations in your area.

The process for getting a housing association home is similar to the process you need to go through to apply for a council home. When you apply, your priority over other housing applicants will be assessed. Some Housing Associations have an open register, so you can apply directly to them for a home.

Other housing associations will only take tenants who have been nominated by their local council. This means you must first apply to your local council for housing.  So it seems like how you apply depends on where you live, not straightforward, – but not difficult.

WHERE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION

Use the four regional information sources to find your local Housing Associations now:

ENGLAND  National Housing Association
NORTHERN IRELAND Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations
SCOTLAND Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
WALES  Community Housing Cymru

OTHER HELPFUL HOUSING ASSOCIATION RESOURCES 

At just4one, we can’t help you apply for a housing association list, or give you access to a home if you’re in a problematic situation. However, we do endeavour to be a useful resource for all single people and those living on their own throughout the UK. Here are some resources you can use if you’re struggling with your housing situation, and believe a housing association may be able to help you:

FAQ:

Who are the largest housing associations in the UK?

Currently, Clarion Housing is the UK’s largest social landlord, or Housing Association, responsible for over 125,000 homes. Other big names include the Alliance Home group, Sage Homes, Catalyst Housing, and the Cotman Housing Association.

Who is eligible to go on a housing association list in the UK?

Housing Associations provide housing support to all kinds of people and all types of households throughout the UK including those struggling with financial difficulties, older people, and disabled people. Anyone with a need for affordable housing can apply to one or multiple housing association.

What’s the difference between housing associations and council housing?

Both housing associations and councils deliver a form of “social housing” to residents. The primary difference is that council housing is delivered through the local government. However, housing associations are not-for-profit, private companies.

How long can you stay in housing association homes?

There are different types of tenancy offered by housing associations. Assured tenancy means you can typically live in your property for the remainder of your life, or as long as you like. A fixed term tenancy, which usually lasts for at least 5 years, means you may eventually need to move.

Can a housing association put your rent up?

Yes, just like other forms of housing providers, housing associations are affected by changes in the economy. Council and housing association rents usually change every April, and the increase will be based on the overall housing market and economy.

Can you buy a house if you live in a housing association?

If you’re given a “Preserved Right to Buy” from a housing association, you will have the option to purchase your home,  similar to some, but not all, situations for council tenants. Your social landlord should be able to tell you whether you have a Preserved Right to Buy or not.