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

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.

We are committed to supporting you and your family to make sure that if you are living with Dementia or caring for someone who does you can continue to have a full and meaningful life.

Aids and adaptations

We are committed to supporting those of you living with dementia to remain independent in your own homes. Our aids and adaptions service offers ideas and solutions to enable you to make the most of your surroundings and support your individual needs , we know that simple things can make a huge difference.

Arrange home support check Arrange home support check

County Durham Dementia Advisor Service (CDDAS)

You can self refer to CDDAS, be referred by your carer or be referred by a professional. The goal is to improve the lives of everyone affected by dementia and we can offer you information, support and signposting to other organisations. We can provide you with quality, up to date advice to suit you and your needs. You can get in touch direct on 0191 389 0400 or email durhamandchester@alzheimers.org.uk.

If you live outside of County Durham, these local agencies can provide tailored support:

Hartlepool - Community Dementia Liaison Service (CDLS) - contact 01429 522 500

Darlington - Darlington Dementia - contact 01904 929 444 or email DarlingtonTeesValley@alzheimers.org.uk

Stockton - LiveWell Dementia Hub - contact 01642 527363 or email Livewell.Hub@stockton.gov.uk

Dementia support

Aids and adaptations

County Durham Dementia Advisor Service (CDDAS)

Other helpful links