This service is managed by Housing and Homelessness
Applying for a council home
We operate a Common Housing Register with Orkney Housing Association Ltd (OHAL). You only need to complete one form to be considered for housing with both organisations. If you only want to be considered by one of us, indicate this on the form.
You can download the Housing Application Form below, or pick up a copy from the Council Offices in Kirkwall, the Warehouse Buildings in Stromness, or OHAL's offices at 39A Victoria Street, Kirkwall. Return it to either organisation and we will share it with the other, unless you have asked us not to.
Related resources
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Complete housing application
This document contains an application for social rented housing in Orkney through the Common Housing Register, managed by Orkney Islands Council and Orkney Housing Association Ltd. It asks about the applicant’s household, current and past housing, housing needs, support, homelessness, and preferred areas and property types. It also includes declarations, consent to share information, document requirements, and an equal opportunities monitoring form.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
If you need help completing the form, contact:
Housing
OHAL
How applications are assessed
When we receive your form, your application is assessed under our Lettings Policy and you are awarded a Priority Pass. There are four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Properties are offered to the applicant with the highest priority pass for the relevant area and property size.
We cannot tell you your position on the waiting list by number, only by your priority level. You will receive an acknowledgement letter when your application is processed. Keep this as your record that you have applied.
You can select up to four areas where you would accept an offer. Waiting times vary by area, and high-demand areas such as Kirkwall are likely to require a Gold priority pass or above.
What size of property can I apply for?
- Single person: 1 or 2 bedroom
- Single persons wishing to share: 2 bedroom
- Couple: 1 or 2 bedroom
- With 1 child: 2 bedroom
- With 2 children: 2 or 3 bedroom
- With 3 or more children: 3 or 4 bedroom
Keeping your application up to date
You must tell us straight away if your circumstances change, for example if your family size changes or you move address. Failure to do so may result in an offer being withdrawn.
We carry out a rolling review of the waiting list. All applicants are contacted on the anniversary of their application to confirm they still wish to be considered. If you do not respond, your application will be removed.
If you move to another address, you must complete a fresh application form. Your application will be reassessed, though your original date of application will remain the same.
Existing and former tenants
If you are an existing council tenant and want to transfer to another property, complete a Housing Application Form and your application will be assessed in line with our Lettings Policy. Note that a pre-tenancy termination inspection of your current home will take place before any transfer is agreed.
If you are a former tenant with outstanding rent arrears, you can still apply. However, an offer may be withheld until you have maintained a suitable repayment plan for at least 3 months.
Appealing a decision
If you are unhappy with a decision about your application, appeal in writing to the Head of Strategic Housing, Housing Operations and Homelessness, setting out clearly why you believe our decision is unreasonable. Help with appeals is available from Orkney Citizens Advice Bureau.
Council homes for rent
We allocate properties through our Lettings Policy and do not usually advertise individual properties. However, where a property becomes available and no applicants meet the qualifying criteria, we may advertise it.
Affordable serviced sites
There is a long tradition in Orkney of people buying a plot of land and building their own home. We support this by acquiring and servicing land for onward sale.
If you are interested in a serviced site, complete an expression of interest form to tell us your preferred areas. For general guidance on buying property in Orkney, see our buying a property page.
Related resources
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Buying a plot leaflet
This document contains guidance on buying an affordable serviced building plot and building your own home in Orkney. It explains planning permission, building warrants, available services and the costs owners must cover for connections and maintenance. It outlines how affordable sites are allocated, including waiting lists and points for local housing needs, and says building must start within three years of purchase. A budget planner helps track expected and actual costs, from buying the plot and professional fees to construction, utilities and landscaping.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Expression of interest form
This document contains an expression of interest form for Orkney Islands Council’s affordable serviced sites. Applicants provide their names, addresses, preferred areas and contact details, then indicate which priority criteria apply, such as being a first-time buyer, key worker, tenant, or living or working in the area. The Council uses this information to assess demand and award points, with details of potential sites and next steps sent to interested applicants. Personal information will only be used for this purpose unless consent is given.
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Downloads
Related resources
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Map of housing stock
This document contains a map of Orkney’s housing stock, showing the locations of properties owned by Orkney Islands Council and Orkney Housing Association Ltd across the islands. It also shows the main A and B roads and names the islands and settlements where properties are located.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Chart of properties
This document contains a table of rented homes available across Orkney as at 31 March 2026, showing the number of homes by area, size and housing provider. The total is 1,751 homes, with the largest numbers in Kirkwall and Stromness. It excludes sheltered housing and some homes used for homelessness, leased to others, awaiting major works, or used as tied or supported accommodation. Black areas have no housing stock at present.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Guidance on our lettings policy
This document contains guidance on Orkney Islands Council’s lettings policy, including who can apply, suitable home sizes and how applicants are treated fairly. It explains the priority pass system, which ranks housing applications from Platinum to Bronze based on needs such as homelessness, medical conditions, overcrowding, poor housing, insecure tenancies and family circumstances. It also provides contact details for housing and homelessness advice and explains where to get an application form.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Lettings policy
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s 2016 policy for allocating rented housing. It explains how to apply, how housing need is assessed, and how priority is given for circumstances such as homelessness, overcrowding, medical needs and unsuitable housing. It also covers household size, special housing, nominations, mutual exchanges, reasons an offer may be withheld, annual reviews and appeals. The policy aims to provide fair, equal and accessible access to housing while making best use of available homes.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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House letting leaflet
This document contains information about how Orkney Islands Council and Orkney Housing Association let homes to people on their housing and transfer lists. It explains how to apply, how housing need is assessed, how priority passes rank applicants, and how applicants can choose up to four areas. It also covers transfers, tenant consultation and the management of empty homes, with contact details for housing and advice services.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Scottish secure tenants rights leaflet
This document contains a plain-language summary of Scottish secure tenants’ legal rights with Orkney Islands Council. It covers tenancy agreements, joint tenancies, subletting, home exchanges, succession after a tenant’s death, repairs, improvements, eviction and security of tenure. It also explains short Scottish secure tenancies and lists sources of housing and legal advice.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Housing management charter
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s Housing Management Charter, explaining the support available to people applying for a Council house, new tenants and existing tenants. It covers help with applications, furnishings, rent, benefits, debt, moving home, home adaptations and tenancy support, including referrals to other services. It also sets out how the Council will treat people and the respectful behaviour expected from tenants. Contact details and office hours are provided, and the document was last updated in March 2021.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.