Housing and homelessness

Buying a property

Learn about the options available to help you buy a home in Orkney, from shared ownership and shared equity schemes to practical advice on purchasing a property. Support is also available for homeowners facing financial difficulties.

Council housing and garages

Applying for a council home

This page provides information on applying for council and housing association homes through the Common Housing Register, including how applications are assessed, priority levels, waiting list reviews and appeals. It also outlines opportunities for affordable serviced sites for those interested in building their own home in Orkney

Garages

This page provides information about renting council-owned garages and garage plots across Orkney. It explains how to apply, how allocations are managed under the Garage Allocation Policy, rental arrangements, and the requirements for applicants who wish to build a garage on an approved plot.

Repairs, improvements and adaptations

This page provides information on reporting repairs to your council home, including emergency repairs, repair responsibilities, timescales and your rights under the Right to Repair scheme. It also explains the process for making alterations or improvements, requesting home adaptations, and reporting issues in communal areas and housing estates.

Rent

This page provides information on council house, homelessness accommodation and garage rent payments, including the different ways you can pay. It also explains the help available if you're struggling to meet your rent payments, the steps we may take when rent falls into arrears, and where to access independent advice and support.

Your tenancy

Whether you are looking to make changes to your tenancy, move home, keep a pet or get involved in local housing decisions, this page provides guidance on managing your tenancy and opportunities to help shape housing services in Orkney.

Empty homes

Own an empty home in Orkney, or thinking about buying one? Find out about our loan scheme, our free Buyer and Seller Matchmaker Scheme, and how to report a property that's lying empty.

Home maintenance and energy advice

This page brings together advice on maintaining and improving your home, energy efficiency, financial help with repairs and adaptations, and support for owner occupiers. If you can't find what you need here, contact us.

Homelessness support

Homelessness can happen to anyone. We supported 161 homeless households during 2025/26, and we have a legal duty to provide advice and assistance to anyone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. You must be aged 16 or over to present as homeless. If you are under 16, we will refer you to Orkney Health and Care for appropriate support.

Landlords

Access information on landlord registration, tenancy agreements, tenancy deposits, repairs and safety requirements, Local Housing Allowance, rent arrears and eviction processes. Guidance is available for both new and existing landlords.

Refugee resettlement

Renting

This page is for people looking to rent a private property in Orkney, or who are already in a private tenancy and need advice. The information here is a general guide and not a precise statement of the law.

Sheltered and supported housing

We offer a range of housing options for people who need additional support, including sheltered housing, extra care housing and supported accommodation. If you are not sure which option is right for you, contact us on 01856 873535, extension 2180, or extension 2188.

The Scottish Government Housing Initiative

Find information on the Scottish Government's Home Owners' Support Fund, including Mortgage to Rent and Mortgage to Shared Equity schemes. This page also explains the support available when someone is at risk of becoming homeless.

Housing strategies and policies

Strategies and policies covering housing need, homelessness, fuel poverty, affordable housing, tenancy and housing investment across Orkney.