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

Your Support

We provide more than just a home. We can offer you financial support, advice, and the opportunity to get into training and employment.

If you are thinking about renting a home from us, you can find out what to expect from us as a landlord.

Read the full Safeguarding, Condition of Property or Customer Vulnerability policy or our summarised versions below.

Safeguarding Policy Safeguarding Policy Condition of Property Policy Condition of Property Policy Customer Vulnerability Policy Customer Vulnerability Policy

Renting a home

Find out what our responsibilities are as your landlord and what your responsibilities are as our tenant. You can also check what services we will provide and your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

Renting a home Renting a home

One of our Housing Advisers with a tenant

Tenancy visits

Your Housing Adviser will visit you at home every two years as part of our Tenancy Visit Programme.

Tenancy visits Tenancy visits

Condition of property

While most homes are kept clean and well maintained, we understand that there are occasions when our homes may require attention due to poor condition.

Condition of property Condition of property

Aids and adaptations

We want to help you to live well in your home and give you the support you need to live independently.

Aids and adaptations Aids and adaptations

Domestic abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or violence, we can help support you to access the right services and support agencies. Only visit this page from a safe computer or in a private window.

Domestic abuse Domestic abuse

Dementia support

A Dementia diagnosis can be difficult, but it does not mean you cannot remain independent in your home with a little extra support.

Dementia support Dementia support

Anti-social behaviour

We want you to feel settled and safe in your home, but we know that sometimes this is not always the case.

Anti-social behaviour Anti-social behaviour

Your housing adviser

Find out which of our Housing Advisers is responsible for covering your area.

Contact Your Housing Adviser Contact Your Housing Adviser

Money support

We can help you manage your money better by offering advice and support.

Money Support Money Support

Work and training support

Do you need help to find a job and improve your CV? Our team is here to help you explore your options.

Work and training support Work and training support

Is your house not right for you?

It may be too big or too small, or you may be unable to manage it due to a change in circumstances or due to ill health. We can help you work out the best options for your future and if necessary liaise with your health worker to make this easier for you. We have other homes currently available that maybe more suitable for you.

Mutual exchange Mutual exchange

Safeguarding

If you are concerned that a vulnerable adult or a child is at risk of abuse or neglect it is important to report it. In an emergency, contact the police on 999, alternatively contact 101 if you think a crime has been committed in relation to abuse and neglect.

If you are worried about someone being neglected or abused, you can tell us or report it directly to your relevant Local Authority who has legal responsibility to safeguard adults and children.

County Durham - 03000 267 979 | scd@durham.gov.uk

Darlington - 01325 406 111 | DPS@darlington.gov.uk

Hartlepool - 01429 523 390 | ispa@hartlepool.gov.uk

Stockton - 01642 527 764 | FirstContactAdults@stockton.gov.uk