Decant policy – moving out of your home for a repair

Date approved: May 2024
Review date: May 2027

Please be aware that this full policy may include acronyms or technical jargon used internally within Raven. If you have any questions, please contact us.

1. Purpose of the policy

1.1. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for decants from Raven homes.

1.2. Raven’s definition of a decant is as follows. Decanting is where Raven requires a customer(s) to move from their home(s) for the purpose of a major repair (including those required following a fire, flood or other disaster), improvement works, major adaptations, demolition, refurbishment or redevelopment. Decants can also be necessary when a property needs to be rebuilt or disposed of, to enable effective asset management. The move could be permanent, or it may be temporary while work is carried out.

1.3 This policy ensures that decants are conducted in a fair, transparent, and respectful manner, prioritising the well-being and needs of our customers.

2. Detailed Policy Content

2.1. Where possible, prior to initiating any decant process, affected customers will be notified in writing, and for any regeneration, consultation will take place.

2.2. We will provide a named member of Raven staff, as the customers first point of contact for all decants, and this member of staff will be responsible for keeping customers updated throughout the entire process.

2.3. Where possible, decants will be planned in advance, however where an emergency decant is required for issues such as fire or flooding, etc, we will prioritise the safety and well being of the customers and provide the necessary assistance to minimise the disruption of the immediate move.

2.4. For a planned decants we will engage in meaningful consultation with customers to discuss the reasons for the decant, the proposed timeline, available alternative accommodation options, and any support or assistance that may be provided during the process.

2.5. Every effort will be made to offer suitable alternative accommodation to affected customers. This may include properties within our existing stock or arrangements with short term private rental organisations that support Raven. Short term private lets tend to be used in an emergency decants.

2.6. We will endeavour to source alternative accommodation comparable in terms of size and location to the customers permanent home, wherever possible, taking into account any vulnerabilities, specific needs or preferences.

2.7. For temporary decants, if we are unable to provide accommodation in a comparable location, we will provide financial support for transport costs, e.g. fuel costs or train/bus fares, and if customers do not have access to reasonable cooking facilities within their emergency accommodation, we will provide subsistence allowances, e.g. contributions towards food costs. Guidance for financial contributions can be found in the Decant Procedure.

2.8. For permanent decants due to regeneration, Raven will reimburse customers in line with the Governments current Home Loss Payments.

2.9. We recognise that decants can be disruptive and stressful for customers. We will provide appropriate support which may include assistance with moving logistics. If the decant is a temporary move and the home needs to be emptied or partially emptied, we will support removal/storage arrangements.

2.10. For temporary decants customers will be expected to sign a Temporary Decant Licence for their temporary home, or an equivalent if occupying a private leased property.

2.11. Customers who are temporarily decanted will have the right to return to their original property once the work is completed, subject to any legal or contractual considerations. The named member of staff will keep customers informed about the progress of the works and provide regular updates on the expected timeline for their return.

2.12. Any planned decant where a customer is expected to leave their home for at least 6 months, will be offered the opportunity of a permanent move, using Ravens Management Move Procedure.

2.13. Whilst a customer is temporarily decanted from their home, whether to alternative accommodation provided by Raven, or to accommodation that have sourced themselves, to keep their tenancy, they must continue to pay the rent & services charges for their permanent home.

3. Applicability

3.1 This policy applies to all decants undertaken by Raven Housing Trust in the course of managing our properties and estates.

3.2. If customers occupying a property managed, but not owned by Raven, need to be decanted, Raven will apply the relevant property owner’s policy.

3.3. It applies to all customers affected by such processes, regardless of their tenancy type or length of occupancy.

4. Definitions

4.1. Customer: An individual or household occupying a property owned or managed by Raven Housing Trust under a residential tenancy agreement.

4.2. Alternative Accommodation: Housing provided to customers on either a permanent basis or as a temporary replacement for their original residence until works are completed.

4.3. Emergency Situations: Unforeseen events or circumstances, such as fire, flooding, or structural damage, requiring immediate evacuation and temporary relocation of customers

5. Related policies and references for more information

6. Implementation procedures

6.1. Raven will provide ongoing training on the use of this policy & associated policies and procedures to all staff who may encounter a situation whereby a customer may need decanting.

6.2. The training may include workshops, seminars, and resources for self-education.