All buildings FAQs
Contents
Temporary accommodation (TA)
Will the TA be the same size as my current property?
In general, yes, as these will be one-bedroom flats.
If you live in a two-bedroom property, we will work with you to understand you/your households needs to determine if a larger temporary accommodation property is needed.
Where will the temporary accommodation be located?
This will be discussed in your one-to-one consultation meetings.
Will I return to my home once work to my flat is complete?
Yes, the intention is for residents to return to their homes once the works are complete.
Will the TA be good quality?
Yes, the properties used for temporary accommodation will be fully refurbished and professionally cleaned before you arrive.
Will there be carpets in the TA?
No, as the properties will be used by multiple people over the period of the project, vinyl flooring will be installed to help keep them clean.
Can I move my freezer to the TA?
A fridge freezer will already be at the property for your use. We can assist you in transferring any items to this. If you have a specific need for your own freezer, we will work with you regarding this.
What will be provided in the TA?
We will make sure your temporary accommodation has everything you need for day-to-day living. This could mean moving important personal items from your current home, or if certain items cannot be moved, we will provide suitable alternatives.
You will be required to bring your own bedding (such as sheets, pillows and duvets), towels, toiletries, and any other personal items.
Can I get a list of what will be in the TA?
Absolutely, when the properties have been refurbished and furnished, we will provide this. You’ll also be able to view the properties before we start the project.
Do I need to pay for utilities such as gas, electricity and water in the TA?
The utilities will not be charged to you whilst you are in the TA property, but you will remain responsible for the utilities in your home.
Will internet access be provided in temporary accommodation?
Yes, all temporary flats will have Wi-Fi.
Will there be any costs to me for the works?
No, you won’t have to pay anything for the planned maintenance works. Your rent and bills (gas, electricity and water), will stay the same at your usual rate.
Leaseholders will be contacted separately about any costs that may apply to them. Leasehold Services will be available to explain these in detail.
Will the temporary accommodation have a smart TV?
Residents will be able to bring their own TV’s into the temporary accommodation.
Will my mail be redirected?
Yes, the council will cover the cost of redirecting your mail. Please ensure that any parcels or deliveries made during your stay are addressed to your temporary accommodation rather than your usual address.
Moving out process
What does the moving out process look like? Is it floor by floor?
We think this will be the case, but until we have confirmation from our contractor cannot yet confirm how many flats or floors will need to be empty at one time. As soon as we have an update, we will share this information with you.
Will I be able to access my flat during the works?
No, you won’t be able to access your flat whilst works are in taking place. This is of important health and safety requirements that must be followed during the works.
How much notice will be given when we need to leave our homes?
We will give you as much notice as possible.
Do we have to take all our items?
No, only the items which you need day to day or to live comfortably/safely.
What help will I get during the move?
We will talk through the support you need in your one-to-one consultation meetings.
How do we know our belongings are safe?
We recommend that you take high value items with you if you are away from your property for a long period of time. If needed, we can provide a safe in the TA property.
Any contractor entering your property will have had the relevant checks. We will apply a tamper proof seal to the living room/bedroom doors in your home, ensuring no unauthorised access takes place.
What happens if anything gets damaged?
The contractor will take photographs before and after the works, and any damage present after the works will be the responsibility of the contractor. If you have specific concerns speak with the Sheltered Housing team or your Housing Officer.
How will our flooring be protected?
Protective coverings will be installed by contractors and removed when the works are completed.
Do our external storage sheds need to be emptied?
No. The external sheds do not need to be emptied as they are not part of the works.
Does every single room need to be emptied of belongings, including large/fitted furniture, or can items be moved to the middle of the room away from walls?
Every room must be emptied completely, and all personal belongings will need to be moved or stored for the duration of the works. The contractor will arrange for a professional moving company to move your belongings.
We plan to move as many of your personal items from your property into the temporary accommodation or storage to ensure they do not get damaged. We will work with you individually to discuss if large items can remain and be protected providing they can be moved out of the way of the works.
Will be contents be insured in my temporary home?
You will need to advise your insurance company of the changes that may affect your cover.
Safety
Am I safe with the asbestos in my property?
Yes, you are safe as long as the asbestos materials are not damaged or disturbed. They do not pose a risk in this condition. When it is time for removal, trained specialists in handling asbestos will handle it careful and make sure it is removed from the building safely.
Am I currently safe in my property ahead of the works being complete?
Yes, your flat is safe to live in while we prepare for the upcoming works. We have already installed heat detectors and updated the fire strategy for the building to keep everyone safe whilst the works are planned and undertaken.
The work we are planning is about making long‑term improvements to fire safety and planned maintenance, not because there is any immediate danger to your health and safety.
Will works be done safely?
Yes, all works will be undertaken safely and will be held to strict standards which are monitored by the Building Safety Regulator.
Communication and support
Will there be someone on-site to answer my questions during the works?
Yes, there will be a site based Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) available throughout the project. They will be there to provide updates and support during working hours. If you need help outside of these hours, you can contact the Council’s Out of Hours Team.
What if I have health or support needs?
We aim to meet with each resident individually to understand your personal circumstances and this will be discussed with you in your one-to-one meeting.
Can all correspondence be emailed?
We will work with residents to understand how they wish to receive correspondence and/or communications and will try to meet this where possible.
Information will also be displayed in the block, on our website and where applicable provided in person.
What about holidays?
If you let us know when you’re going away, we will ensure the contractor is aware of this. It is possible works will need to be completed in a set order. Once we can confirm this, we will be able to provide further information to you
Will we have to notify Wi-Fi provider?
There is no requirement to notify your Wi-Fi provider. We will provide Wi-Fi within the temporary accommodation properties
What will happen with our landline?
Depending on who provides your landline there may be a cost and delay to transfer this to the temporary accommodation. We would recommend the use of a mobile phone where possible
Will the council pay for removals if I move out permanently?
Yes, we will support you with this if you choose to move out permanently because of the works/project.
I live alone and have a 2 bed. I would consider moving out but only if I get another 2 bed property?
When looking to provide alternative permanent accommodation, we must look at the needs of each person. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to offer you permanent rehousing in a 2 bedroom property if you live alone. There are some exceptions to this, which we can discuss further with you.
Contractors
Are you going to recruit a good contractor?
Yes, the contractor will be a specialist in undertaking Building Safety works, in residential buildings.
Will works be done properly to a good standard?
Yes, the contractor undertaking the works is a specialist in this field and all works will require sign off by qualified surveyors who work for Portsmouth City Council and specialise in Building Safety.
Is it definitely going ahead?
Yes, as this is related to Building Safety, these works must be completed.
Where will the contractors park their vehicles?
This is unknown at this stage, but we will ensure any impact to residents is avoided or kept to an absolute minimum.
They will not be permitted to park on paths or pavements.
Is the contractor going to need access to my property before the works commence on site?
Yes. Before the works begin, the contractor will need access to your property to undertake surveys and inspections. This will help them finalise the design of the new external wall panel system and to take accurate measurements for items such as new windows and doors.
Noise
Noise levels – what will it be like?
We know the works are going to cause noise throughout the building. Noisy works will only be between the hours of 9am – 5pm weekdays.
There will be no noisy works on weekends and bank holidays.
If it’s too noisy, can I change my mind and permanently move out of the block?
Absolutely, if this is the case, please speak with the Sheltered Housing Team or your Housing Officer.
Will we get compensation due to noise?
No, it is not possible for us to provide compensation for the disruption the works may cause.
Leaseholders
I am a Leaseholder, will I be affected by the works?
The Leasehold Services team will work with all leaseholders during this project. They will arrange 1:1 visits to learn about your specific needs. Our team will also be available to answer any specific leasehold related questions throughout the project.
If you have any initial questions, please get in touch with Leasehold Services by calling 023 9260 6533 or emailing Leaseholder@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.