Property News

What is Social Housing and is it a tenant type you should be aiming at?

Social housing tenants are individuals or families who live in housing provided by the government or nonprofit organizations at below-market rents. Social housing, also known as public…

20 March 2026 · 2 min read

What is Social Housing and is it a tenant type you should be aiming at?

Social housing tenants are individuals or families who live in housing provided by the government or nonprofit organizations at below-market rents. Social housing, also known as public housing or affordable housing, is intended to assist low-income individuals or families who may not be able to afford housing in the private rental market.

Social housing is typically owned and managed by local government authorities, housing associations, or other nonprofit organizations. These entities allocate and maintain the housing units and ensure that they meet certain quality and safety standards. The specific eligibility criteria for social housing may vary depending on the country and local regulations.

Social housing tenants often pay rent based on their income, which is usually a percentage of their total household income. This income-based approach ensures that the rent remains affordable for low-income individuals and families. Social housing programs aim to provide stable and secure housing options for those in need, offering them a decent standard of living and an opportunity to improve their circumstances.

In addition to providing affordable housing, social housing programs often offer support services to tenants, such as counselling, job training, and assistance with accessing healthcare or educational resources. These services are designed to help tenants improve their overall well-being and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

It’s important to note that the specific terminology and definitions related to social housing may vary across different countries and regions. The exact rights and responsibilities of social housing tenants are determined by local laws and regulations.

Talk to Power Team®

Want this applied to your own numbers?

We work with landlords, investors and owner-managed businesses across the UK. Tell us where you are and we'll come back within one working day. A first conversation is free and genuinely useful.

Or book a call directly

The Power Team community

Practical property and business insight, once a month.

Tax changes, market movement, and the lessons from our clients' portfolios. No noise, and you can leave whenever you like.