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

Easter Holiday Activities 2025

Fun-filled local activities provided by our partners available in our communities.

Craft camp - Trimdon

Craft club at Trimdon Community College.
Trimdon Community College, Elwick View, Trimdon, TS29 6JU.

Available dates:
Soap making - Thursday 7 August 2025 from 10am - 12 noon. (For ages 8+)
Pop art pictures - Thursday 14 August 2025 from 10am - 12 noon. (For ages 6+)
Powertex wands - Thursday 21 August 2025 from 10am - 12 noon. (For ages 6+)
Needlefelt pictures - Thursday 7 August 2025 from 10am - 12 noon. (For ages 8+)

For children of all ages.

£5 per child with drinks and snacks.

Booking is essential as places are limited.

Book your place Book your place

Summer sessions - Trimdon

Family Easter Party at Trimdon Community College.
Trimdon Community College, Elwick View, Trimdon, TS29 6JU.

A variety of dates throughout July and August.

For children of 7+ years.

These sessions are free. Your 'fun and food' vouchers are accepted at the event, please follow instructions on your ticket to book.
Lunch and snacks included.

Bookings can also be taken by phone or through Trimdon Community College's Facebook page.

Book your place Book your place

Family summer trips - Trimdon

Family summer trips at Trimdon Community College.
Trimdon Community College, Elwick View, Trimdon, TS29 6JU.

Available dates:
Splash Park - Monday 28 July 2025 from 10:15am - 3:45pm (free - bus only)
Seaham Food Festival - Saturday 2 August 2025 from 9:30am - 5pm (£5pp - bus only)
South Shields - Saturday 16 August 2025 from 9:30am - 6pm (£5pp bus only)
Tweddle Farm - Monday 18 August 2025 from 9:30am - 5:30pm (£10pp bus and entry)
Beamish - Thursday 21 August 2025 from 9:15am - 6pm. (£10pp bus and entry)

Bookings are required and can be done by contacting Trimdon Community College's Facebook page.

Book your place Book your place

Fun and food - County Durham

If your child gets benefits-related free school meals, then you will receive a Fun and Food Ticket through your school, with details of how to find out what's on in your area and how to book your child a place.

Contact Fun and Food Contact Fun and Food

Summer fun and food - Shildon

Summer fun and food at Jubilee Fields Community Centre.
Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon, DL4 2AL.

Available dates:
Wednesday 23 July, 6 August, 13 August, 20 August and 27 August.
Time: 11:30am - 3:30pm

Places available for children eligible for free school meals. You can use your fun and food code to book.

Booking is essential as places are limited.

Find out more Find out more

Railway stories - Shildon

Railway stories at Jubilee Fields Community Centre.
Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon, DL4 2AL.

Enjoy a theatre workshop through games, storytelling and characters.

Runs from Tuesday 22 July to Tuesday 26 August.
From 11:30am - 3:30pm.

Places available for children eligible for free school meals. You can use your fun and food code to book.

Booking is essential as places are limited.

Book your place Book your place

Family fun day - Cornforth Partnership

Family fun day with Cornforth Partnership.
West Cornforth Community Centre, Station Road, West Cornforth, DL17 9LA.

Friday 15 August 2025 from 10am - 2pm.

Free entry for all of the family.

Cornforth Partnership Facebook Cornforth Partnership Facebook