7.  Decanting Methodology

7.1  If a household reaches the trigger points previously referred to then, four weeks prior to the Decant taking place, the Contractor will write to the Tenant explaining:

7.1.1  what it will be doing;

7.1.2  the dates;

7.1.3  the Contractor's responsibilities; and

7.1.4  the Tenant's responsibilities

and giving a contact telephone number for either the Resident Liaison Officer or other suitable point of contact.

7.2  Approximately [number] weeks before the works are due to start, the Contractor will meet with the resident and go through the procedure of the Decant and explain the scope and nature of the works.

7.3  At least [number] Business Days prior to the agreed date the Contractor will supply the Tenant with as many boxes (consumable) that they need for their household items and breakables.  The Contractor will take responsibility for the storage of any items that the household reasonably cannot move, if they cannot be ordinarily stored within the Dwelling itself.

7.4  At this time the Contractor will remind the Tenant that after the move the Dwelling becomes part of the Contractor's construction site and access should only be attempted with the Contractor's knowledge and consent (for safety reasons).

7.5  On the day of the move (preferably a weekend) the Contractor will provide adequate labour and transport to ensure the move is completed expeditiously and in one day.

7.6  The Contractor will invite the Tenant to get involved in the positioning of the boxes within the temporary accommodation to ensure unnecessary movement and to check that there are no breakages or damage to the contents.

7.7  All electrical equipment and valuable or fragile household contents will be visually checked and its condition agreed with the resident prior to the move.

7.8  The Contractor will at its cost arrange:

7.8.1  tenant's removals for both moves but not the packing or unpacking of boxes;

7.8.2  disconnection and reconnection of utilities - gas, water, electric and phone (where required);

7.8.3  disconnection and reconnection of existing appliances - cooker, washing machine, telephone, dishwasher (if applicable) unless alternative facilities are available at the decant Dwelling;

7.8.4  redirection of post if the decant lasts longer than [number] month;

7.8.5  storage of possessions (pro-rata) if the decant Dwelling is smaller and possessions cannot be stored safely in the Dwelling whilst works are undertaken;

7.8.6  removing and refitting carpets and curtains if necessitated by the works; and

7.8.7  ex-gratia payments in cases of particular hardship although no obligation exists on the Contractor in this respect.

7.9  The same process will be repeated when the Tenants are due to be moved back to their refurbished Dwelling, the only difference being that the notification letters will not be required.

7.10  There will be a regular and sufficient dialogue between the Resident Liaison Officer and the Tenant during the Initial Refurbishment Works Period as to when the move back to the original Dwelling is to be expected.

7.11  Where necessary, the Contractor will use interpreters to ensure the residents fully understand what is proposed.  The Contractor may also use neighbours to assist where the Contractor considers this likely to be successful, as somebody who is known to the Tenant.

7.12  Where contents insurance has been taken out, the Contractor will remind Tenants to inform their insurers prior to any move.  Valuable items will be identified and agreed with the Contractor prior to any move.

7.13  The Contractor, as an alternative to moving to one of the Permanent Rolling Decant Properties or Additional Decant Properties, may (with the relevant Tenant's consent) assist households eligible for Decant to move to other accommodation (family or friends) within the same locality.

7.14  In taking responsibility for the decant of Tenants, any decision made by the Contractor as to who is Decanted will be final.