Decoration and disturbance allowances

You may be eligible for a payment to help with moving into a new home or with decoration after work has been carried out on your home.

If you have to move out of your property (temporarily or permanently), you will be entitled to a disturbance allowance.

Decoration allowance

You are paid a decoration allowance either:

• When you are moving into your new home; or
• Following major repairs or programmed works (e.g. re-plastering) in your home.

The payment is made to help you redecorate your house.

Disturbance allowance

You are paid a disturbance allowance when:

• You are required to move out of your home for us to do repairs; or
• You stay in your home and experience a major disturbance because of certain types of repairs. The allowance may cover the cost of storing carpets or furniture.

If there are major repairs or replacements planned for your home, we will inform you if you qualify for decoration or disturbance allowance, before any work is carried out.

How to apply for decoration or disturbance allowance

You need to apply in writing. In your letter or email, state:

• Your name; and
• Your address; and
• Reason why you want this payment.

Temporary or permanent accommodation

If you have to leave your home, temporarily or permanently, accommodation will be arranged; we will take your needs into account.

If you have to move into temporary accommodation you will only have to pay the rent on one property.

Damage by contractors

If we carry out repairs on your home and our contractors cause any damage, you may be entitled to compensation. Send us the following details:

• Date
• Type of repair/works
• Exact location of the damage
• Operative's name (if known)
• Name of the contractor
• Photos of the damage (if possible)

We will contact the contractor who carried out the repair and assess whether his company or agency needs to compensate you or put right any damage.

You may need to complete an insurance claim form.