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We will be carrying out essential maintenance on our website on Tuesday 23 April 2024 between the hours of 8.00am and 10.30am. During this time, the website may experience technical issues. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Apply for housing


You can apply to rent a home in County Durham through Durham Key Options. This includes former council housing.

How to apply

Register with Durham Key Options

Before you can apply for a house, you must register with Durham Key Options (you only need to do this once). Once registered you'll be able to apply for housing in County Durham.

Search for and bid on homes

Once you've registered with Durham Key Options you can:

  • search for a home
  • bid for a home

Durham Key Options

Durham Key Options includes properties managed by:    

  • believe housing - covers housing in Durham City, and surrounding areas, East Durham and Wear Valley
  • Karbon Homes - covers housing in Chester-le-Street, Sacriston, Great Lumley, Pelton, Consett, Stanley, Lanchester, Langley Park and surrounding areas.
  • Livin - covers housing in Sedgefield, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and surrounding areas.
  • North Star Housing Group - covers housing in Barnard Castle, Cockfield, Evenwood, Etherley and surrounding areas.

    Home exchange, mutual exchange and HomeSwap Direct

    Most housing association tenants, have a right to exchange properties, provided that their landlords give approval. Find out more about home swaps.

    Durham Key Options Logo

    In partnership with

    • Durham Key Options
    Contact us
    Contact Homeless (freephone number)
    08081 968 406