Housing - information and advice

Contents

• What housing options are there in Derby?
• Renting from private landlords
• Buying a property
• Mutual exchanges
• Social housing
• Registering with other councils
• What can I do if I am homeless or threatened with homelessness?
• If you are threatened with homelessness
• If you are homeless, aged 18 or over (single or in a couple), without children
• If you are homeless, with children or expecting a child
• Contact details

What housing options are there in Derby?

Renting from private landlords

Find general information on renting from private landlords.

If you are on a low income and looking for private properties to rent, you may be able to get help through:

• the Bond Assurance Scheme or
• the Rent In Advance Scheme. 

Contact us to talk to us about these schemes.

Buying a property

‘HomeBuy’ is a scheme funded by central government that’s designed to help people buy their own home. Get more information from EMHomeBuy website, the local provider.

Secure tenants of Council properties and housing association tenants can find general information about Right to Buy and Right to Acquire schemes that they may be able to apply for.          

Mutual exchanges

‘Derby Home Swap’ is a local mutual exchange scheme that allows Council and housing association tenants to swap properties.   Find more information about Derby Home Swap.

‘HomeSwapper’ is a national scheme that lets other council and housing association tenants know you would like to exchange your home. Visit the HomeSwapper website for more information.

Social housing

We can advise you if applying to get on the Housing Register for ‘council housing’ (also called ‘social housing) is the right option for you. 

Find information on how Council housing is allocated in Derby.

Registering with other councils

You can apply to get on the Housing Register of any council in the country, but each will its own policy on allocating housing. Find out more from the council in the area you wish to move to. Visit the Directgov website to find contact details for all councils.

What can I do if I am homeless or threatened with homelessness?

If you are threatened with homelessness

Call us straight away on 01332 256483. Our priority is to try and prevent you from becoming homeless. We will work with you and any relevant agencies to stop you from losing your home so that you can stay where you are.

If you are homeless, aged 18 or over (single or in a couple), without children

Call Milestone House on 01332 642150 (24 hours, 7 days a week) - services available include housing advice and help for homeless people, as well as access to hostel accommodation in Derby. Milestone House is at 93 Green Lane, Derby DE1 1RX. The reception is open Monday to Friday, 1.00pm to 4.00pm, email: spe@derby.gov.uk. 

If you are homeless, with children or expecting a child

 Call us on 01332 256483 or

 Call the out-of-hours number 01332 786968:

• when the Housing Options Centre is closed during the week
• it is after 5pm on weekdays
• all day Saturday or Sunday 
• Get advice if you are aged 16 to 18 years and homeless tonight or threatened with homelessness on our Housing advice - young people page.

Opening times

Useful forms

• Housing information and advice

Downloads

• Food banks in Derby (pdf, 19kb)