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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Work and Training Support from Livin Futures

We go above and beyond to help you to get into work. There are many ways we can help you, from free training opportunities to matching you with local job vacancies and improving your job hunting skills.

Apprenticeship support

An Apprenticeship is a real job combined with training meaning that you will earn while you learn to gain your qualification.

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Opportunities for young people

We have joined the #1mchances campaign to offer you jobs, work experience and apprenticeships.

Opportunities for young people Opportunities for young people

Skills Foundation

Are you out of work or looking to gain new skills? Our Skills Foundations can provide you with the skills to put you on a new career path. We currently have exciting opportunities available in care, transport and construction.

Skills Foundation Skills Foundation

Forklift Truck License

We’ve partnered with NC Group, Newton Aycliffe, to develop a free Forklift Truck Training Academy*

During the 10-day course you will receive training towards:
• A certificate confirming a practical test of basic Forklift Truck operating skills,
• Level 1 Health and Safety,
• Level 2 Warehousing and storage,
• Level 2 Lean Management.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Courses are available each month. Numbers are limited and will be booked on a first come first served basis.

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Local vacancies

We find all the local vacancies for you and we put them in one place giving you the chance to snap them up first.

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Online training and qualifications

Need help to study online? We can find a course and help you apply to develop your skills.

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Volunteering and work experience

Giving your time can help you gain new skills and open doors.

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A group of Foundation of Light students studying

Preparing to apply for work

We can help you with interview practice as well as preparing and reviewing your CV, giving you the best chance of standing out from the crowd.

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Funding your work needs

You can apply for our ‘Work and Training Grant’ helping you to pay for the essentials needed to get into work.

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Ways we're helping you

Find out more about all the different ways we're helping you get back into work or training.

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Childcare provision

Going back to work after having children?

Livin Futures can help you with your work and training needs as well as support with gaining funding for childcare costs.

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