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

Moving In

There are some simple but essential things you need to do before, or on the day you move into your new home

Arrange your rent payments

Setting up a direct debit is the most safe and convenient way to pay your rent. You can complete our online Direct Debit form or check out our other ways to pay.

You’ll have a dedicated Money Support Adviser to support you in managing your rent account.

Set up a Direct Debit Set up a Direct Debit Other ways to pay Other ways to pay

Set up your utilities

Ensure you take meter readings for your gas and electricity, so you only pay for what you use

You will need to find out who your current suppliers are and register with them before we can book your gas and electric checks in.

1. Visit www.findmysupplier.energy to find out your gas supplier

2. Visit www.myservices.northernpowergrid.com to find out your electricity supplier

3. Visit www.water.org.uk/customers/find-your-supplier to find out your water supplier

4. Contact all of the suppliers and set up the supplies in your own name

Add a minimum of £5 credit to your gas and electric meters if your home has any pre-payment meters

Request your new tenant gas and electric checks

Once you have completed all of the steps, you must request your gas and electric checks and we will attend within three working days of your request. You will receive confirmation via SMS once your appointment has been confirmed.

Request your safety checks Request your safety checks

Arrange your Council Tax

Visit https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council to find out who your local council is so you can register for council tax and check if you are eligible for a reduction.

Download your tenant app to manage your tenancy

Access exciting new features including trackable repairs, direct messages, live rent account and much more.

Login/Register Login/Register Download My Livin - iPhone Download My Livin - iPhone Download My Livin - Android Download My Livin - Android Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions

Our lettable standard

The Lettable Standard is the minimum standard of repair that you can expect to find when you rent one of our properties.

Lettable standard Lettable standard

Benefit and money support

If you need to claim benefits, check your entitlement or simply just want support with managing your money, please get in touch. Our friendly financial inclusion team would love to help. To find out more about other ways we can help you with your finances, please visit our money support page.

Money support Money support

Bins

Bins should be in situ at your new property. Should you have any bins missing, we may be able to help. For a missing green waste bin please request one from us, for all other bins please contact your local council.

Request a green bin Request a green bin

Greener Livin

Find out how you can take steps towards living more sustainably in your new home.

Greener Livin Greener Livin

A row of bungalows at Southside Ferryhill

Moving into a new build

If you're moving into a newly constructed home, there may be some unique differences to consider compared to an older-style home. To make your transition as smooth as possible, we've put together some helpful information that you can use after you've moved in.

Moving into a new build Moving into a new build

Reporting your repairs

Our repairs service is available to help you to keep your home in good condition. Most repairs are included in your tenancy and can be reported or booked online.

Report a repair Report a repair

How did we do?

We value what you have to say to us and we will always be polite to you. We will give you clear information about what to do if you are not happy with our services, and use your feedback to make improvements.

Give feedback Give feedback