Decant policy
In this section
Decant Criteria
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.