Decant policy

14.1 When deciding whether decanting will be required, officers will consider the following:
•    Does the tenant prefer to remain in the property, if works required pose no health and safety risk?
•    Has the property been assessed against the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) as to whether the risks identified can be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable?
•    Will the property be uninhabitable whilst the work is being carried out?
•    Is the tenant vulnerable or do they have a mobility issue that would make it difficult or impossible for them to remain in their home whilst the work is being carried out?
•    Can temporary facilities be installed onsite?
•    Can they stay at friends or family’s home?

14.2 A property will be considered uninhabitable if a category 1 hazard is identified, see the Repairs Policy for further information, except for those classified as Psychological Requirements, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis or a breach of the Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2019.

14.3 A property will also be considered uninhabitable if any one or more of the following is present (this is not an exhaustive list):
•    Major internal disruption, i.e. a collapsed ceiling
•    The electrics are in an unsafe condition. 
•    A significant damp or mould problem likely to cause an immediate health risk to the tenants.
•    Asbestos that would cause a direct and immediate health and safety risk.
•    Any significant subsidence, significant structural movement or structural instability (as demonstrated by a structural engineer’s report). 
•    A major health and safety issue(s) or environmental factor(s) that would cause a direct and immediate risk to the tenants. 

14.4 The evaluation of whether a tenant is vulnerable or has mobility issues relates to all members of the household who reside at the property as their principal home. For example, if a child resides at the property as their principal home (and is therefore part of the household), is vulnerable or has mobility issues, then these decant provisions apply.