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

31 Jan - 2025

Community partners support Ferryhill students on their campaign for change

A group of students from Broom Cottages Primary School, Ferryhill Station Primary School, Cleves Cross Primary School, and Dean Bank Primary School have come together as ambassadors for community change to continue their campaign for a cleaner and safer Ferryhill.

Over 1,000 Ferryhill residents took part in a community survey conducted by Ferryhill Town Council last year which highlighted some concerns about rubbish, waste bins, and fly-tipping. Determined to make a difference, the students made a New Year's resolution to continue spreading awareness for a cleaner and safer Ferryhill.

With the support and funding of community partners including ourselves, Spennymoor and Ferryhill Police, and The Police Crime and Commissioners office, a number of activities have taken place including designing and launching a campaign in the local areas to encourage residents to take action.

Julie O'Connor, Livin Community Regeneration Adviser said: "Watching the children’s enthusiasm and creativity as they designed posters about recycling and waste was truly delightful. We look forward to seeing the real impact this has on the community."

Glenys Newby, Approach Too, said; "A huge thank you to all of our ambassadors for change, the Schools and our community partners for their support. We will share all the information in the coming weeks, so watch this space. Let's get behind the ambassadors and keep our streets clean and safe for everyone".

Find out more about how we manage waste and how to report fly tipping here > > https://bit.ly/ManagingWaste25

Pictured left to right, Julie O'Connor (Community Regeneration Adviser), PCSO Walbey (Spennymoor and Ferryhill Police), teachers and students from: Broom Cottages Primary School, Ferryhill Station Primary School, Cleves Cross Primary School, and Dean Bank Primary School, Tia Daniels (Community Safety Coordinator, Durham Police Crime Commissioners office), Glenys Newby, (Approach Too), PCSO Levin (Spennymoor and Ferryhill Police), Antonia Gates (Housing Adviser), Shana Wells (Marketing and Communications Assistant).