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

Livin Life Online

We are working with Digital Unite to support you to safely access the digital world.

Need support to get online?

We can help you get online. From learning how to use our website and My Livin app, to online banking, using emails and more.

We will personalise support using both one-to-one and group sessions to boost your confidence and knowledge.

Interested? If you or someone you know would like support, get in touch.

Request digital support Request digital support Call 0800 587 4538 Call 0800 587 4538

Digital Coffee Morning

Enjoy free hot drinks and a catch up with one of our digital champions at our digital coffee morning.

The event will be held at Jubilee Fields Community Centre, Shildon, DL4 2AL.

Date: Wednesday 16 July from 10am - 2pm.

No need to book, you can drop in and we can help you with sending emails, using video calls, shopping or banking online, using My Livin and much more...

Can't attend but want support?

Request digital support Request digital support

Borrowing a device

You can borrow a laptop or tablet from us. You can keep the device until you feel comfortable using it and can buy your own.

Interested? If you or someone you know would like support, get in touch.

Request digital support Request digital support Call 0800 587 4538 Call 0800 587 4538

Resources from Digital Unite

Our partners at Digital Unite have some helpful tips, guides and other resources on their website if you need any refresher training following our support.

Digital Unite tips and guides Digital Unite tips and guides