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Affordable renting options

Find out about affordable renting options if you are on a low income or have special housing needs.

We work with other registered providers to deliver affordable homes to people who cannot afford to rent a property at the market rate.

We collect data to understand the demand for different types, sizes and tenures of affordable housing throughout North Yorkshire. Monitoring local need helps us to make sure we are building the right types of homes in the right places.

To find out how we are delivering housing visit our housing policies and strategies page.

Below is a summary of some of the affordable renting options that are available:

Social rented homes

Social rented homes are:

  • owned and managed by registered providers - either the council or a housing association
  • offered at the lowest rents which are set using a government formula

Social rented homes are let through North Yorkshire Home Choice, which provides a choice-based allocations process with priority bandings. To apply for social rented properties you can register on the North Yorkshire Home Choice website.

Affordable rented homes

Affordable rented homes are:

  • owned and managed by registered providers, such as housing associations or the council
  • more expensive than social rented properties, but the rent is controlled – it cannot be more than 80% of market rents in the area

Affordable rented housing is allocated through North Yorkshire Home Choice. Most affordable rented homes from housing associations are advertised on the North Yorkshire Home Choice website.

Mutual exchange

If you are a council or housing association tenant, you can swap your home with another tenant. This might be a quicker way to move than waiting for a transfer.

You can swap your home if you have a secure tenancy agreement. You will however need written permission from both parties’ landlords.

To find a mutual exchange, you can use the Homeswapper website. This site provides a free service that matches you with other home swappers, both locally and nationally. You can also check local newspapers, community websites or shop windows for adverts.

Visit our swap your council home page for more details and advice.

Low income

If you are on a low income, you may be able to get help paying your rent by claiming Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. Visit our benefits page to find out more.


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The council provides services across North Yorkshire including Harrogate, Ripon, Scarborough, Whitby, Northallerton, Thirsk, Selby, Tadcaster, Malton, Pickering, Richmond, Skipton and more.

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