Renting from a Housing Association

What is it?

Glasgow City Council do not own any housing stock.  Social housing in Glasgow is provided by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), also known as Housing Associations or Housing Co-Operatives.  

Registered Social Landlords offer a range of properties for social rent across Glasgow.  Some RSLs also provide housing that is suitable for wheelchair users, older people and other types of housing that meets the needs of their tenants.

The majority of Registered Social Landlords in Glasgow operate within the communities that they provide housing to tenants.  These Registered Social Landlords are known as Community Controlled Housing Associations.  There are other Registered Social Landlords that also operate in Glasgow and other regions across Scotland. 

All Housing associations and co-operatives in Glasgow are regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator, who maintain a register of Social Landlords and ensure Landlords deliver good quality housing for the benefit of tenants and others.

Wheatley Homes Glasgow is Glasgow's largest Registered Social Landlord with over 40,000 homes in Glasgow.  Further information relating to all Registered Social Landlords that provide social housing in Glasgow is available here.

What is the criteria?

Anyone aged 16 and over can apply to live in a Housing Association or co-operative property. You do not need to live in Glasgow to make an application.

The process of applying for and being allocated social rented housing in Glasgow varies per each RSL's allocation policy.  RSLs allocate housing either by a Housing Register System or a Choice Based Letting System.

How long you will have to wait for a house may depend on a number of factors including:

• How popular the area is which you have chosen
• The type of house you are looking for
• Whether you qualify for any priority which will enable you to be housed more quickly.

Advantages/disadvantages of renting from Housing Association

Advantages

• Excellent tenancy rights - you can decide when you want to move
• Housing costs are fairly predictable - rent, Council Tax, gas and electricity bills
• Landlords are willing to accept housing benefit
• Typically lower rents than the private rented sector
• the Scottish Housing Regulator regulates housing associations and co-operatives to ensure tenants receive a good standard of service and accommodation
• Properties are maintained by each housing association or co-operative.

Disadvantages

• Access for most people is via the waiting list. You will need to fill in an application form first
• You may have to apply to more than one landlord
• There may be a very long wait (months or even years) for properties in some areas
• Properties are usually completely unfurnished.

Repairs and Maintenance

Housing associations and co-operatives are responsible for ensuring that properties are fit for human habitation, including being wind and watertight. They are also responsible for permanent fixtures, such as sinks and central heating systems.

Tenants are responsible for internal decoration, furnishing and removable fittings. Contact your landlord to report a repair.

If your landlord needs to get access to carry out a repair, they should let you know in writing at least 24 hours beforehand.

The Right to Repair Scheme applies to all housing associations, co-operatives and water and sewerage authorities. The scheme gives all tenants the right to have small urgent repairs carried out within a given timescale. Compensation is payable if the repair is not completed on time.