Housing with the council and housing associations

To apply for social housing, including Council homes, housing association, sheltered and amenity housing, you will need to fill out an EdIndex form.  EdIndex is a partnership between the Council and a list of 20 housing associations and co-operatives in Edinburgh.  You only need to complete one form and you can get this by:

• downloading the form to print and post
• requesting a form from the EdIndex team by emailing edindex@edinburgh.gov.uk or calling the EdIndex Team on 529 5080
• picking one up at any of the EdIndex landlords or your local Council neighbourhood office.

After you return your form we will send you an acknowledgement letter with your unique EdIndex reference number and details of the next steps.

How we let our homes

The City of Edinburgh Council and 16 of the EdIndex landlords let their social rented homes through EH-Your Key to Choice.  This is a choice based letting system, which means you can choose the homes you would like to be considered for.  The Council also has some mid market rent homes. When these are available they will also be advertised through EH Your Key to Choice.

Four of the Housing Associations and Co-operatives let their homes by using a points system and do not advertise their homes through EH Your Key to Choice. They will contact you directly if you are being considered for one of their homes. 

You can read the Council's letting policy to find out more about how the Council lets their homes.

Availability of social housing

There is not enough social housing in Edinburgh for everyone who applies for it. If you are not considered as in priority for social housing you could be waiting many years before you are successful for a house. You may need to consider other housing options like renting from a private landlord or looking into affordable buying.