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.

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Case Study

Kieran Brownson - Digital Project Manager

Kieran joined us in 2017 after gaining his GCSEs and studying a sports diploma at New College Durham where he developed a real thirst for data analysis from his sports analysis module.

He found our digital and technology solutions apprenticeship whilst searching for new study options that enabled him to learn while he earned. He was already aware of Livin from our work in communities and was delighted that his career was really about to take off.

Kieran successfully secured his role and enrolled onto a fully funded degree course to achieve a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions. Also, he has gained new skills and knowledge including attending workshops in cities across the UK, taking part in conferences, webinars and networking with leading suppliers and partners. Kieran completed his BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions, achieving a 2:1.

Current Vacancies

"I have now completed my apprenticeship and degree, I was lucky enough to have been offered at permanent role on my 21^st birthday and have since gone on to be promoted to Digital Project Manager. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and I feel truly valued as part of the Livin team."

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