Housing Application and Allocations

This section summarises the rules relating to the application for and allocation of Council houses in Orkney. You are advised to read this section carefully before completing the standard Housing Application Form, available through the related downloads section of this web page.

Housing Application Packs are also available from the Council Offices, the Warehouse Building in Stromness and Orkney Housing Association Ltd. You can also make an online application via Orkney Housing Association Ltd's website available at the bottom of the page.

If you have any questions about our Lettings Policy, or if you would like any assistance with completing the application form please contact our Housing Management Section, where staff will be pleased to assist.

Housing Application Process

When we receive a Housing Application Form, it is automatically placed on the Common Housing Register, unless an applicant specifically requests their details to be withheld from either housing provider. The application is assessed according to our Lettings Policy and a level of priority is awarded to the applicant. Your place on the housing waiting lists will be determined by the level of priority pass you are awarded. We cannot advise applicants of their position on the waiting list by number order, only by the level of priority pass they have been awarded.

Lettings Policy

A copy of the full Lettings Policy is available for you to download in the 'Related Downloads' section of this web page, or you can view the policy at the Council Offices, Kirkwall and the Warehouse Building in Stromness.

Scottish Secure Tenancy

If you are offered a property you will usually be offered a Scottish Secure Tenancy. Please note that this tenancy is the one usually offered to tenants of Orkney Islands Council. In certain circumstances we may offer a different type of tenancy and this would be clearly explained to you. This tenancy can only be used by social landlords and would not be valid if used by a private landlord.

Further Information

For further information on housing allocations please visit our Housing Allocations FAQs on the left hand side of this web page or contact the housing team at: Housing Services, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.

Telephone: 01856873535.
Email