1. Introduction
1.1 This policy explains what Norwich City Council will do for its tenants when they are required to move out of their home on a temporary basis to allow for repairs or other housing management reasons. We call this process a temporary ‘decant’ and is usually planned in advance.
1.2 The response to any 'out of hours' emergency is co-ordinated by Norwich City Council, Norwich City Services Ltd (NCSL) and our out of hours contact provider Norse. There is a separate procedure for securing the property and arranging temporary accommodation if required.
2. Relevant legislation
2.1 Housing Act 1985
2.2 Homes (fitness for human habitation) Act 2018
3. Policy details
3.1 If possible, Norwich City Council will carry out repairs and improvements with the tenant and occupants remaining in their home. However, there may be circumstances where this is not possible if the work may be too disruptive or dangerous, and the tenant and occupants will have to move out temporarily. Other reasons for temporary decant may be required, if it is deemed that the work cannot be undertaken with the tenants in occupation. For example, works that require chemicals, disinfectants, and other hazardous substances.
3.2 Where possible it is easier if tenants can stay with relatives or friends for the duration of the works. If the tenant pays rent and council tax at the original home, then Norwich City Council will cover this for the duration of the decant.
3.3 If the tenant cannot possibly stay with relatives or friends, then there are two options:
- Alternative council accommodation for a temporary period
- Staying in B&B or hotel type accommodation, depending on availability.
3.4 We will discuss your re-housing options with you and timescales for the move. In emergency situations such as fire, flood, loss of power or other serious issue, then you must move immediately for safety reasons.
3.5 You will be made one reasonable offer of alternative accommodation based upon the property size of your current home, alongside consideration of your circumstances. If you have pets we will do what we can, where reasonable, to accommodate them.
3.6 Tenants that are decanted into another council property on a temporary basis will assume and sign a licence to occupy their temporary home. The tenant will also sign a separate undertaking stating that they will return to their original home once works are completed.
3.7 If the tenant refuses to leave their home to be decanted or refuse to return to the original home once work has been completed and it is safe to do so, then Norwich City Council will take legal action to resolve this.
3.8 The council will either arrange or pay for removal costs. These payments will be for the actual costs of the removal.
3.9 If we arrange any appointments or services to help you move and we must cancel them because you don’t move, you may have to cover the costs. For example, if we need to cancel removals.
3.10 Additional payments can be made to cover other expenses incurred if required, for example:
- Meals- where facilities are not available. The amount is dependent upon the facilities at the accommodation.
- Laundry- where facilities are not available.
- Travel costs for work or school (Taxi, public transport or additional mileage (mileage allowance is based on the National Joint Council (NJC) casual car users’ allowance).
- Disconnection and reconnection of services.
- Redirection of mail.
If for any reason any of the costs or expenses are not evidenced or are misrepresented, then the council will seek to recover these.
4. Review
4.1 We will review this policy to address legislative, regulatory, best practice or operational issues, otherwise every 3 years.
Published: 20 September 2024
Next review date: 20 September 2027
