Decant Policy

1. Introduction

1.1. We recognise that there will be occasions when tenants will be asked to move from their home either temporarily or permanently. This is known as “decanting”.

1.2. It may be necessary to decant tenants for the following reasons:

Emergency situations, e.g. serious flood or fire or a risk to the personal safety of the tenant.
Major Repair.
Redevelopment.
Demolition.

1.3. Each situation will be assessed on its merits in order to ascertain whether it is reasonable to expect the tenant to remain in occupation of the property should any of the situations in 1.2 arise. Factors taken into consideration will include the expected duration of the works, whether services will be unavailable, level of disruption and health & safety risks. Consideration will also be given to the respective costs of carrying out the works whilst the tenant is in occupation compared to when the property is empty.

1.4. If it is decided that to decant is the best solution, we will aim to keep the decant period as short as possible.

2. Definitions

2.1. Decanting: A legal definition used to explain the process where tenants are required to move from their home due to the reasons stated in section 1.2.

2.2. A Permanent Decant: When a tenant is moved out of their home and there is no intention to return them to their former home.

2.3. A Temporary Decant: When a tenant is moved out of their home, to enable work on the property to be carried out, with the intention of returning them to their home at the earliest opportunity.

3. Policy Statement

3.1. We will work with the tenant(s) throughout the decant process to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum and, where applicable, appropriate compensation paid to them.

4. Policy Aims and Objectives

4.1. To manage the decant proceedings in an efficient and equitable manner.

4.2. To cause the least possible disturbance to the tenant(s) who are obliged to decant on either a temporary or permanent basis.

4.3. To ensure fairness in the calculation of compensation due to the tenant(s) using a consistent basis for assessment of the loss and/or costs incurred. To ensure prompt payment of compensation and expenses associated with decanting.

4.4. To ensure accommodation is provided with suitable adaptations where an individual has particular needs and their existing home has been specially adapted.

5. Monitoring

5.1. No performance measures identified as necessary.

5.2. Whilst individual departments are responsible for organising their own decants, all personnel responsible for decants must log all details on to the Housing Management System, so that at any time we know who is decanted and where.

6. Impacts

Resident/Employee Implications -

All relevant employees will be fully trained in their area and prepared for any decant situation that may occur.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion -

We recognise the needs of a diverse population and always act within the scope of current legislation.

We work closely with our partners to ensure we have a clear understanding of our tenant community with clear, regularly updated service user profiles. This enables us to ensure that the right tenant is offered the right decant property at the right time, limited by the resources available to us (i.e. available properties). Tenants’ profile data is collected and updated on our housing management system.

Value for Money -

Only carrying out decant if absolutely necessary and authorised by the appropriate manager.

By considering completion of the work with the tenant in situ and if possible comparing costs rather than automatically decanting the tenant.

Only considering expensive temporary options (hotels, B&Bs etc.) for emergency and short term decants.

Data Protection -

All due care is taken to protect data held by us and in particular, we ensure we keep all residents data secure and meet with data protection requirements.

Accountability -

We are committed to operating in a way that is transparent and fair.

Quality -

We look to ensure that our residents are safe in their homes by supporting the prevision of well-maintained homes which are in line with legislative and regulatory requirements.

When things go wrong -

Residents can communicate concerns through our formal channels: via telephone, email, our website or our social media channels.