Decants (temporary and permanent moves)

We understand that having to move out of your home, even temporarily, can be stressful and disruptive. Our aim is always to minimise the need for decants and to keep residents in their homes wherever it is safe and practical to do so. We will only arrange a decant when major repairs, safety issues, redevelopment or other significant works mean that you cannot remain in your home safely while the work is carried out.

When might a decant be needed?

A decant may be required if:

• Major repair works cannot be carried out while you remain at home.
• Your home has become unsafe because of an emergency such as a fire, flood or structural damage.
• Extensive refurbishment, redevelopment or disposal of a property means you cannot return to your existing home.
• Your individual circumstances or vulnerabilities make it unsafe or unreasonable for you to remain in the property during works.

Depending on the circumstances, the move may be temporary while works are completed, or permanent where a return to the property is not possible.

When might we not decant?

A decant is not always the best or most appropriate solution. Before deciding that a move is necessary, we will consider whether there are other ways of carrying out the works safely while you remain in your home.

This may include:

• Phasing works so that only part of your home is affected at a time.
• Providing temporary cooking or washing facilities.
• Moving or storing furniture and belongings to allow works to proceed safely.
• Protecting rooms and possessions from dust and damage.
• Restricting works to certain areas of the property.
• Providing additional support where a resident has health, disability or vulnerability-related needs.

We will discuss the options with you and take account of your individual circumstances before making a decision.

The support we provide

We will work with you to understand your household’s needs and identify suitable accommodation where a move is required. We will take into account factors such as household size, medical needs, caring responsibilities, accessibility requirements and other relevant circumstances.

Where a decant is necessary, support may include:

• Arranging alternative accommodation.
• Organising removals and storage where needed.
• Reconnecting essential services, appliances and broadband.
• Support with packing and unpacking for residents who are older, disabled or otherwise need additional assistance.
• Assistance with reasonable moving expenses and mail redirection.
• Meal allowances where residents are placed in accommodation without cooking facilities.
• Regular communication and updates throughout the process.

Returning home

Where a decant is temporary, our priority is to return you to your home as soon as it is safe to do so.

We will keep you informed about progress throughout the works and provide regular updates on expected completion dates. Before you return, the property will be inspected to ensure the works have been completed and the home is ready for you to move back in. We will also arrange removals and any necessary reconnections to help make the return as smooth as possible.

Where possible, we will discuss key decisions with you before you return, including any choices relating to decoration, flooring or fittings that form part of the works.

Permanent moves

In some cases, a permanent move may be necessary, for example where a property is being redeveloped, sold, or cannot reasonably be brought back into use.

If this happens, we will work with you to identify suitable alternative accommodation based on your housing needs and circumstances. We will take account of factors such as household size, location, accessibility requirements, work, education and support networks when considering suitable homes.

We will support you throughout the moving process and explain any assistance, compensation or moving costs that may be available.

Home loss and moving expenses

Where residents are required to move permanently because of redevelopment, disposal or other qualifying circumstances, they may be entitled to a statutory Home Loss Payment. Eligibility is set out in legislation and depends on factors such as the type of tenancy and how long the property has been occupied as the resident’s main home.

In addition to any Home Loss Payment, we may reimburse reasonable expenses that arise directly from the move. This can include costs such as removals, redirection of mail, reconnection of services, and other necessary moving expenses.

We will explain what support is available and any eligibility criteria as early as possible in the process.

Information for leaseholders

Where leaseholders are affected by redevelopment or other projects that require them to move permanently, they may be entitled to compensation in accordance with the relevant legislation.

The support available will depend on the circumstances of the project, the leaseholder’s occupation of the property and their legal rights. We will discuss options and compensation arrangements with affected leaseholders individually and provide clear information about the process.

Keeping you informed

Good communication is an important part of our approach. We will explain:

• Why a decant is needed.
• Whether the move will be temporary or permanent.
• What support is available.
• How long the works are expected to take.
• What compensation or assistance may be available.
• What happens next and who to contact with any questions.

We recognise that every household is different and will seek to tailor our approach to your individual needs.