Social housing is generally more affordable than homes on the open market, with rents often tied to local incomes. 

Social housing can include social rent homes, affordable rent homes, and shared ownership schemes. 

Social housing is designed to help those on lower incomes, individuals facing homelessness or domestic abuse, people with disabilities, and those with other specialist housing needs. 

Individuals can apply for social housing through their local council, which maintains a waiting list and assesses applications based on specific criteria. 

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is responsible for regulating social housing providers in England.