Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a Livin home or bungalow?

We advertise all of our available homes on our Find A Home page, simply visit this page for more information.

Before you can place a bid on one of our homes, you must first have an active account with the relevant Choice Based Lettings Scheme. Almost all our homes are located in County Durham and therefore are allocated through the Durham Key Options scheme. Durham Key Options (DKO) is a partnership between Durham County Council and landlords across County Durham.

We have a small number of homes which are located outside Durham, these are all advertised through Tees Valley HomeFinder, Hartlepool HomeSearch and Darlington HomeSearch; They are similar to Durham Key Options but we do not process applications registered for these schemes. If you wish to register an application for homes advertised in this area, please apply directly.

Once your application is approved, you will then be able to bid on homes that meet your needs. You can access the application form directly by visiting the relevant Choice Based Lettings system.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

We aim to start processing your application within 10 working days. If we require any further information after this point, we will contact you to ask for this. Once we have received all the required information we will notify you of our decision within 20 days, and if accepted we will activate your account. You can also check your application status online by logging into the DKO portal.

How can I get involved with Livin and help to shape services?

To find out more about the different ways you can get involved, please visit our getting involved section.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Buy?

Tenants who have been with Livin since before the transfer from Sedgefield Council in 2009 may have the “Preserved Right to Buy” their property. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Buy website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Acquire?

If you have been a tenant for 3 or more years you may have the right to buy your property under the Right to Acquire scheme. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Acquire website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.

More FAQ's

Our Plan A Priorities

Property Services Contract

Meeting the service standards for repairs, specifically repairs completed first time.

Data Use

Making best use of relevant and timely customer data to make reasonable adjustments and improve access to services and homes.

Decent Homes

Using an integrated asset management approach to enhance our understanding of homes to meet DH2.

New Homes

Working with partners and other stakeholders to increase numbers of homes.

Financial and Employability Support

Delivering meaningful, personalised financial inclusion support offers to improve tenants’ incomes and reduce poverty levels.

Western Regeneration

Progressing place-based economic, social, and physical regeneration on the Western Estate, NA, to balance and sustain the community, and transform the housing offer.

Find out more about Plan A in the sections below

Background

Find out more Find out more

Consistently Delivering Excellent Customer Experience and Digital Services

Excellent services that are consistent, reliable, innovative and influenced by customers

Find out more Find out more

Contributing to a Sustainable Future

Environmentally sustainable communities for generations to come with customers thriving in low-energy homes

Find out more Find out more

Supporting Balanced and Sustainable Communities

Sustainable and thriving communities that meet residents’ needs and nurture a sense of pride and belonging

Find out more Find out more

Supporting Sustainable Tenancies

Happy and empowered tenants living in comfortable and manageable homes in balanced and sustainable communities

Find out more Find out more

Providing Quality Sustainable Homes

Tenants living in warm, safe, high quality, and sustainable homes in which they are proud to live

Find out more Find out more

Building and Acquiring Sustainable Homes

Additional high quality, sustainable homes, which meet the needs of customers, in balanced communities

Find out more Find out more

Maintaining Strong Finances

Financially strong and resilient, investing in the future of social housing for our customers and their communities

Find out more Find out more

Maximising the Talent and Contribution of our People

A professional, engaged and empowered workforce, working together to deliver excellent services.

Find out more Find out more

Plan A Priorities

Find out more Find out more