Living with us
Derwent Living is a not-for-profit organisation providing affordable living to suit a range of lifestyles. Formed in 1964, Derwent Living works with customers to build thriving communities where people want to live. Derwent Living manages more than 15,000 homes in the Midlands, South Yorkshire and the South East.
Affordable living
Affordable living is low cost housing ranging from small studio flats to large family homes. Rent or buy one of our many homes in urban or countryside locations. Rental properties are allocated via a points-based system via local authorities or directly by Derwent Living. Priority on homes allocated by local authorities is given to those in housing need and allocated via waiting lists.
Homes can be bought through part buy-part rent. More information about buying though Derwent Living’s part buy-part rent scheme can be found in the detail pages of each available property.
Retirement living
Retirement living is affordable self-contained apartments, studio flats and bungalows to rent or buy. Our properties offer residents an active social scene and a peaceful and personal atmosphere with a 24hr Care Line link for peace of mind. To view available retirement living properties click here.
How we allocate homes
Our aims are to provide good quality homes to rent for those in the greatest need of housing and to promote sustainable communities.
We work with different local authorities to meet housing need in their particular areas. This may be through offering properties which become empty to people nominated to us by the local authority or by using a common housing register. To view a selection of the properties available please use the find a home section of this website or email info@derwentliving.com
Leaving Derwent Living – important information for affordable living customers
If you are thinking about moving on you have a number of options available. Find out more about transfers, mutual exchanges or part-buy, part-rent options.
Moving out
You must give us four weeks notice in a signed letter to our head office. Your contract will end on the Sunday of the fourth week. Sometimes, we may be able to vary this arrangement, for instance if you are moving to another of our properties.
If you are a joint tenant
If you are a joint tenant, only one tenant needs to give notice – if the other joint tenant wants to stay, they will need to ask their housing officer for advice.
Property inspection
During the four weeks’ notice, we will ask you to let us inspect your property. If we identify any works or repairs including decoration which is your responsibility we will ask you to put this right. If you don’t we will charge you for this work.
If you help us by leaving your property clean and tidy and in good repair so that we can re-let it straight away, we will give you £75 in high street vouchers.
Moving out checklist
Before returning your keys please make sure that you:
- Ensure your rent is fully paid or arrange to pay arrears
- Remove all furniture, carpets and belongings
- Clear out all cupboards and sheds
- Clear all rubbish and unwanted items (e. g. old furniture) from your home or garden. If you leave unwanted items behind, you will be charged for the cost of removing them
- Contact the utility companies with your final meter readings or you will still be liable for whatever the next tenant uses
- Tell the council’s council tax, and – if you claim it – benefits offices
- Give us a forwarding address so we can send you the high street voucher payment for leaving your home in good condition
After you leave
If you leave the property with damage, you will be charged for repairs and replacements.
Unpaid rent
Make sure your rent is paid to the end of your contract, including the notice period. If you leave with unpaid rent, our rent recovery team will contact you to arrange payment – if necessary, by using a tracing agency.
Most landlords ask for references from your previous accommodation, and you will find it difficult to find another property if you owe us money.
Returning your keys
You must return your keys to our head office by noon the day after your contract ends or you will be charged until they are returned. You are responsible for returning your keys, so if you post them, use recorded delivery.
If you have any further questions, please contact us.
