A housing association is a non profit organisation that manages and lets rental properties in the UK.  All profits gained are used to maintain the properties that are owned by the housing association. By the end of March 2009 all housing associations with over one thousand properties will have to have to include a  resident on any board or committee that’s responsible for delivering a service.

Accommodation owned by HA's is also often referred to as social housing a term that is widely used for low cost rental properties. Social Housing includes council housing owned by the government, housing trusts and co-operative homes.

Some housing associations specialise in homing the elderly and the disabled, vulnerable young persons who require housing and young single mums with children.

Housing association properties can be found throughout the UK and UK citizens can register with them for housing in any area, as long as they do not already own or part own a home of their own.

Housing associations often have shared ownership schemes for families and individuals who can not honour A 100% mortgage deal, instead they are offered a percentage as a mortgage and rent the remaining percentage from the HA.

You can find out more about housing associations, and other housing issues in your area, by visiting your nearest housing advice centre or CAB office.