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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a Livin home?

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.

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 Durham Key Options. If you’re still unsure how to do this, you can watch our helpful video which talks you through the process.

We have a small number of homes which are located outside Durham, these are all advertised through the Compass Choice Based Lettings scheme in Teesside; Compass is similar to Durham Key Options but we do not process applications registered for this scheme. If you wish to register an application for homes advertised in this area, please apply directly with Compass.

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.

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Home Support

We can support you to access the most appropriate support for your individual needs.

Aids and adaptations to your home

Our Aids and Adaptations service provides support to help you or a household member maintain independence and remain in your home for longer.

We are pleased to be able to continue providing our Aids and Adaptations service during this second period of lockdown. Your health and wellbeing are our priority and we will continue to closely follow published government guidance, taking all necessary precautions to deliver our services safely.

Minor adaptations

• Grab rails
• Additional bannister rails
• Handrails
• Lever taps
• Half steps
• Widen doors

Request a minor adaptation

You can apply for minor works by logging into the tenant app and requesting minor adaptations in the repairs section.

Major adaptations

• Wet area showers
• Ramps
• Stairlifts

Request a major adaptation

Durham County Council carries out all major works. They will first visit you and recommend adaptations that will help you to live more comfortably.

What if my home cannot be adapted?

If your home cannot be adapted or it is unreasonable to do so, re-housing may be offered as an alternative solution. We will support you throughout this process to help you find the perfect home to suit your needs. If you need further information regarding our Aids and Adaptations service, please contact us.

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In hospital?

You may require an occupational therapy assessment before you are discharged, please contact us to arrange this.

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Support equipment

We help to provide you with support equipment that makes day-to-day jobs easier for you or a household member living with a disability. This includes:
• Shower seats
• Raised toilet seats
• Perching stools
• Chair raisers

You can request support equipment by contacting Social Care Direct. However, if you have been in your property less than 3 months and require support equipment, please contact us.

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