Decant Policy

6.1         When a tenant is required to move out for repairs to be undertaken, the Customer Care Officer will meet with the tenant in person (where possible) or via a telephone call to discuss the following:

• the need for the tenant to decant due to essential repairs and maintenance work, providing a copy of the tenant's guide for preparing to decant (Appendix 4)
• options including the alternative accommodation they may be offered and whether they are able to make their own arrangements
• gather the details of who lives in the household and whether the tenant is able to make their own arrangements and complete the Housing Decant Form (Appendix 2)
• where the tenant can make their own arrangements, discuss these with the tenant to make sure these are suitable and appropriate
• where the tenant cannot make alternative arrangements, the Customer Care Officer will also ask the tenant of details of any medical/mobility issues and/or any caring responsibilities, as well as other arrangements which may need to be made, for example, regarding pets
• the tenant's preferences including the timing of the move and the urgency of the repairs. The council will try to meet all reasonable requirements
• explain that moves will be temporary and when the tenant will be expected to return to their current home
• ensure the tenant is aware that they will receive two offers of alternative accommodation and that the council will take legal action if they fail to move out to allow the council to undertake the work
• provide the tenant with a copy of the 'Licence to Occupy Temporary Accommodation' and explain what this means for the tenant where required

6.2         Tenants will be assured that:

• they will remain the secure tenant of their current home and have the right to return after the works have been complete
• the council will cover the costs of rent for alternative accommodation provided by the council or provide support where tenants make their own arrangements
• the council will cover moving costs and any reasonable additional costs they incur, for example travel expenses

6.3         The tenant will also be required to complete the following documentation to facilitate the decant process:

• agreement for temporary tenancy during decant works
• temporary decant agreement
• disturbance payment record sheet