From 1981, households who were buying a share in the property from a housing association or co-operative through a shared ownership (equity sharing) or co-ownership scheme are included in the category of owner-occupiers. In earlier years such households were included with those renting from a housing association or co-operative.

Renting from a council includes renting from a local authority or New town corporation or commissions or Scottish Homes (formerly the Scottish Special Housing Association).

Renting from a housing association also includes co-operatives and charitable trusts. It also covers fair rent schemes. Since 1996, housing associations are more correctly described as Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). RSLs are not-for-profit organisations which include: charitable housing associations, industrial and provident societies and companies registered under the Companies Act 1985.

Social sector renters includes households renting from a local authority or New Town corporation or commission or Scottish Homes and those renting from housing associations, cooperatives and charitable trusts.

Private renters include those who rent from a private individual or organisation and those whose accommodation is tied to their job even if the landlord is a local authority, housing association or Housing Action Trust, or if the accommodation is rent free. Squatters are also included in this category.

See Economic activity

See Economic activity