Livin Local Lettings Policies

Local Letting Policy 1

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

The ‘Courts’ Shildon Regeneration Area

CRITERIA

Properties within the specified areas will be let in line with the following criteria:-

Livin tenants that are assessed as adequately housed will not be considered until they have held their current tenancy over two years
All tenants must have completed a tenancy support assessment and affordability check with Livin before the commencement of any tenancy. Where Livin deem a property unaffordable an offer may be withdrawn and alternative accommodation proposed
All applicants (or member of the household to be rehoused) must not have been found responsible of committing anti-social behaviour by Livin, a previous Landlord or the police within the last two years.
We expect applicants will have a clear rent account, including other charges such as recharges for FTA, for 3 months prior to formal offer being made (Livin's Strategic Housing Manager will make final determination of any exceptional cases)

2. Preference will be given to those engaging in positive activity

60% of homes being offered will be to applicants in part or full time work at the point of allocation.
5% of homes offered will be to applicants engaged with Livin Futures, Livin's employability programme which supports tenants into training and work

EFFECTIVE DATE

July 2022

REVIEW DATE

June 2024

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Local Letting Policy 2

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Moulder’s Park, Spennymoor, County Durham:
7 x two bedroom bungalow
31 x two bedroom house
17 x three bedroom house
3 x four bedroom house

CRITERIA

Local connection to the following areas (in order):

The Spennymoor area electoral division (first tier); or
The former district boundary of the City of Durham (second tier); or
County Durham (third tier)

Local connection is defined as:

Currently, resident in the local area or; has left the local area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the local area and/or
Currently resident outside of the local area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the local area for at least 2 years and/or
In continuous full or part-time work in the local area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

Priority will be given to those with a first-tier local connection in the highest eligible band. If no one applies from that group, we’ll consider applicants with a local connection in the next band down, and so on. If there are still no bids, we’ll look at second- and third-tier local connections. If no suitable applicants are found, the property will be allocated based on the Durham Key Options Letting Policy.

OCCUPATION

4-bedroom homes: Due to limited availability, these will only be offered to families or individuals who genuinely need all four bedrooms.

7 bungalows: On the first advert, priority will go to those who need both bedrooms. If no suitable applications are received, under-occupation may be considered.

31 two-bedroom homes: Up to 6 homes (20%) may be allocated to single applicants or couples who only need one bedroom.

Applicant(s) will not be considered if there are any serious records of ASB in the last two years or if the applicant(s) hold any relevant unspent convictions (as set out in the Durham Key Options Letting Policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE

July 2025

REVIEW DATE

30 June 2026

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Local Letting Policy 3

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

Hay Lane, Spennymoor, County Durham:
2 x two bedroom bungalow
3 x two bedroom house
14 x three bedroom house

CRITERIA

Local connection requirements are set out in the DKO Policy.

Local connection is defined as:

Currently, resident in the local area or; has left the local area within the last 6 months and has lived for a continuous period of 12 months prior to either their date of application; or the date that they left the local area and/or
Currently resident outside of the local area who supports or requires support from someone who has been resident in the local area for at least 2 years and/or
In continuous full or part-time work in the local area for at least 12 months prior to the date of application

OCCUPATION

For the 17 two and three bedroom houses, a proportionate quota system across all bands will be used and is detailed below:

Band 1: 25% of lets / four units (homeless applicants)
Band 2: 45% of lets / eight unis
Band 3: 20% of lets / three units
Band 4: 10% of lets / two units

If no applicable bids are received that meet the quota system for the houses, then allocation will be made to the next applicable bid in the closest higher band eg where there is no eligible Band 3 bid, the property will be allocated to the next appropriate bid in Band 2.

Preference on first advert for the two bed bungalows and three bed homes, will be given to applicants with need of all bedrooms. Under occupation will be allowed if no applicable bids are received.

EFFECTIVE DATE

August 2025

REVIEW DATE

1 April 2026

Local Letting Policy 4

PROPERTIES COVERED BY POLICY

21 new family homes for rent in Omnibus Way, Bishop Auckland, County Durham. The scheme comprises:

4 x two bedroom bungalow
12 x two bedroom house
5 x three bedroom house

CRITERIA

As set out in the Durham Key Options Lettings Policy there are 3 criteria in the introduction of a Local Letting Policy. These are set out below, please indicate which reason applies:

In areas where a specific type of housing accommodation is in short supply
To ensure a balanced community and prevent anti –social behaviour
To consider rural or city centre related issues with regard to demand and affordability which would include a local connection.

The development is subject to a section 106 agreement with Durham County Council meaning that homes will be let through the Durham Key Options Letting Policy to a qualifying person(s) with local connection. Local connection being determined as:

A period of 3 years permanent residence within the last 5 years in the parish of Bishop Auckland, Church Parish CP or an adjoining parish, the former district of Wear Valley or County Durham (as the case may be); or
An essential need to live close to another person who has permanent residence within the last 5 years in the parish of Bishop Auckland CP or an adjoining parish, the former district of wear valley or County Durham (as the case may be) the essential need arising from age or caring responsibility; or
A person who is employed in in the parish of Bishop Auckland CP or an adjoining parish, the former district of wear valley or County Durham (as the case may be)

For the 17 two and three bedroom houses, a proportionate quota system across all bands will be used and is detailed below which equates to around 30% of lets to Band 1, 35% Band 2 and 35% across Bands 3 and 4.

Two bedroom Bungalows (Four homes):

No stipulations other than the Section 106 planning requirements.

Two bedroom Homes (12 homes)

Band 1: three homes
Band 2: five homes
Band 3: two homes
Band 4: two homes

Three bedroom homes: (Five Units)

Band 1: two homes
Band 2: one home
Band 3: one home
Band 4: one home

If no applicable bids are received that meet the quota system for the houses, then allocation will be made to the next applicable bid in the closest higher band e.g. where there is no eligible Band 3 bid, the property will be allocated to the next appropriate bid in Band 2.

Within the Band the qualifying person/local connection criteria must be met. Preference on first advert (houses only) will be given to applicants with need of all bedrooms to make best use of this stock to meet local housing need (but not exceeding the maximum occupancy stated on the property adverts). Under-occupation will be allowed if no applicable bids are received.

Whilst the S106 agreement remains in perpetuity for lettings, the LLP will apply to first lets only with the aim of balancing and sustaining the community.

Shortlisting and Offers

Priority for these homes will therefore be given to:

Applicants in the relevant Band priority for the home advertised

Then,

To applicants in that band who;

Have lived in Bishop Auckland/Adjoining Parish/Former Wear Valley District/County Durham area for 3 of the last 5 years,

Or are; providing support/care to someone who lives in the area OR the applicant is employed in the area

The applicants household must fulfil the need for all bedrooms available in the property (without exceeding the maximum occupancy stated on the advert)

Background and Evidence

Through sensitive lettings, this policy aims to:

Create a sustainable balance of lifestyles in a stable environment which promotes a strong sense of community cohesion and long-term sustainability of place.
To prevent a high concentration of need within a new community and deliver a balanced, sustainable place
Give appropriate priority to those applicants with a commitment to the locality such as employment, close family connections or are currently living in Durham
Support in mitigating potential management challenges and increase the chance of tenants successfully managing and sustaining their tenancy. All tenants who have not previously been a social housing tenant will be awarded an Assured Shorthold (Starter) Tenancy for an initial 12 months.
Ensure that tenants can maintain their tenancies well to achieve the highest possible standards for the development into the future.
To make the most efficient use of social housing stock in meeting local housing need.

As part of the planning process for this new development, residents and key stakeholders were consulted and it was agreed that affordable and sustainable housing was required in this area to meet the needs of local residents

Effective Date

December 2025

REVIEW DATE

1 April 2026

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