Housing and homlessness
We provide a wide range of housing services across Orkney, from managing council housing and supporting people who are homeless, to helping private tenants, landlords and homeowners. We welcome your feedback. If you have a compliment, complaint, comment or suggestion about Housing Services, please contact us or visit our Complaints, Compliments and Feedback page.
Pages managed by this department
Buying a property
Council housing and garages
Applying for a council home
Garages
Repairs, improvements and adaptations
Rent
Your tenancy
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
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
Housing strategies and policies
Strategies and policies covering housing need, homelessness, fuel poverty, affordable housing, tenancy and housing investment across Orkney.