You may also qualify for a low cost housing site, Shared Ownership, Affordable Housing or the voluntary housing schemes. If you don't qualify, the local authority will inform you and explain the reasons for their decision. The authority can provide information and offer advice on other housing options available - e.g. Shared Ownership, Affordable Housing, local authority housing loans etc. You may, of course, decline an offer of accommodation made by a local authority. However, you should be aware that, if they consider your reasons for refusing a house not well based, they may, in certain circumstances, reduce your priority on the housing list.
Local authorities charge rents related to the income of the household.
Therefore, if your income is low, you can expect to pay a low rent. If your financial circumstances improve, the rent will rise accordingly. Each authority operates its own rent scheme and full details may be obtained from your local authority. If you have been a tenant of a local authority house for at least one year you may apply to the local authority to purchase it at a discounted price. You may purchase the house either outright or by way of a shared ownership option, which enables a tenant who cannot afford outright purchase in one step to buy a share in the house now and the remainder at later stages within 25 years.