Decant - Planned temporary move

Decant 

Darlington Borough Council aims to maintain homes to a good standard and ensure tenant safety. Sometimes, tenants need to move temporarily or permanently to allow repairs or redevelopment. This process is called a decant.

What is a Decant?

• A decant occurs when you need to move out of your home for repairs, redevelopment, or emergencies.
• Decants can be temporary, emergency, or permanent.

Types of Decants

• Temporary Decant: Required for extensive works, severe flood damage, or structural safety issues. Options include:
• Staying with friends or family (with compensation for rent charges).
• Hotel/B&B accommodation (board only).
• Private rental accommodation arranged by the council.
• Emergency Decant: Immediate move due to fire, flood, or severe damage. Council will:
• Help find emergency accommodation.
• Assist with housing applications if repairs take a long time.
• Advise on contents insurance for lost belongings.
• Permanent Decant: When homes are demolished or redeveloped. Tenants:
• Are usually given Band 1+ priority for rehousing via Darlington HomeSearch.
• May be consulted on redevelopment plans and amenities.
• Could receive direct offers for specialist or extra-care housing.

Support Provided During Decant

• Clear communication and consultation throughout the process.
• Information on timescales and updates on delays.
• Full decant assessment to identify housing needs and support.
• Help with removals and storage if required.

Compensation

• Home-loss Payment: For permanent moves if you’ve lived in your home for 12+ months. Amount governed by Home Loss Payments (Prescribed Amounts) Regulations.
• Disturbance Payment: Covers reasonable moving expenses for temporary decants or if you’ve lived in your home less than 12 months.
• Payments processed within four weeks of claim approval.
• Outstanding rent arrears or debts will be deducted from compensation.

Other Considerations

• No automatic legal right to return after permanent decant, but council aims to keep communities together.
• If you refuse to move when required, legal action may be considered after at least one reasonable offer.

For more details see our Decant Guide.[pdf document]