For most repairs you can stay. But if major work makes a home unsafe to live in, your landlord may move you out temporarily. This is called a decant. Here is what to expect.
Direct answer
For most repairs you can stay in your home. But if the work is so big that your home is not safe to live in, your landlord may need to move you out for a while. This is called a "decant." You should not be left living somewhere dangerous while major work is done. To talk it through, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
What is a decant?
A decant is when your landlord arranges somewhere else for you to stay while major repairs are carried out, and then you move back. Social landlords usually have a decant policy that says when this should happen.
When it might apply
- The home is unsafe to live in during the work.
- There is no working kitchen or bathroom for a long time.
- The work is major, like a full damp treatment, structural repairs, or work after a fire or flood.
Your rights
- You should not be expected to live in a home that is unsafe.
- A temporary move should be to suitable accommodation.
- In some cases you may be owed a payment for the disturbance. Ask your landlord about its decant and disturbance policy.
How we can help
If your landlord is making you stay in an unsafe home, or ignoring repairs that are serious enough to need a move, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
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Sources
- Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 25 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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