Housing Act 1996: Primary legislation governing housing allocation and homelessness duties in England and Wales, particularly Part 6 (allocation of housing) and Part 7 (homelessness provisions)

Homelessness Reduction Act 2017: Key legislation that amended the Housing Act 1996, placing new legal duties on local authorities to prevent and relieve homelessness for all eligible applicants

Housing Act 2004: Legislation introducing the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and regulations for housing standards and conditions

Equality Act 2010: Legislation protecting individuals from discrimination in housing and other services based on protected characteristics

Local Authority Housing Allocation Schemes: Regulatory framework defining how each local authority allocates social housing in their area

Homelessness Code of Guidance: Statutory guidance for local authorities on how to interpret and implement housing legislation

Housing Health and Safety Rating System: Assessment method used to evaluate potential risks to health and safety from any deficiencies identified in dwellings

Priority Need Categories: Defined categories in Part 7 of Housing Act 1996 determining which applicants have priority for housing assistance

Vulnerability Criteria: Assessment framework for determining whether an applicant is vulnerable and therefore in priority need

Reasonable Preference Categories: Statutory categories of people who must be given reasonable preference in the allocation of social housing

Local Connection Requirements: Criteria determining whether an applicant has sufficient connection to an area to qualify for housing assistance

Medical Needs Assessment Criteria: Framework for evaluating how medical conditions affect housing needs and priority

Overcrowding Standards: Statutory definition of overcrowding and space requirements in residential properties

Housing Suitability Requirements: Standards defining what constitutes suitable accommodation for different household types

Data Protection Act 2018: Legislation governing how personal information must be handled and protected in housing applications

Human Rights Act 1998: Legislation ensuring housing decisions respect fundamental human rights

Local Authority Specific Policies: Individual council policies that supplement national legislation in local housing administration

Right to Rent Requirements: Immigration status checks required before renting property in England