Housing policies

Welcome to the Ipswich Borough Council housing policies page. Here, you can find information about our various housing-related policies.

Adaptations Policy

This Policy seeks to ensure that a formalised framework is in place to manage fire risk across the housing portfolio and that this can be planned, delivered, monitored and reviewed in such a way that continuous improvement is achieved, and that the Council has strategic direction to manage fire risk appropriately.

Download the Policy on Adaptations (PDF)

Compensation Policy

The Compensation Policy explains how we handle compensation for tenants who experience inconvenience or loss due to issues such as maintenance problems or service failures. This policy ensures that any compensation is managed fairly and transparently.

Download the Compensation Policy 

Damp and Mould Policy

This policy sets out the approach Ipswich Borough Council (IBC) takes to ensure that damp, mould, and condensation within IBC properties are treated seriously and dealt with swiftly and effectively. 

IBC wants all tenants to enjoy living in homes that are safe and well maintained. This is why IBC developed the Ipswich Standard, an enhancement on the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. IBC recognises that the presence of damp and mould in homes has potential physical and mental health implications to our tenants. 

This policy sets out the scope and context, explains what damp and mould is and the common causes. It explains how IBC will deal with a report of damp and mould by a tenant and/or leaseholder and explains how IBC is working on other identification measures and how this policy will be monitored going forward.

Download the Policy on Damp and Mould (PDF)

Decant Policy

Our Decant Policy details the procedures and support available when tenants need to move temporarily due to major repairs or redevelopment work. Or where the property is damaged in an emergency such as fire or flood. This policy ensures that the process is handled smoothly and fairly.

Download the Decant policy (PDF)

Domestic Abuse Policy

This policy applies to all Council tenants, leaseholders, temporary licensees and occupants.  The Council will take a zero-tolerance approach to domestic abuse. We will do this by adopting a believing, trust-based approach, ensuring that the individual is aware we take the issue seriously whilst being sensitive and understanding to the individual’s needs.  We will take reasonable and proportionate action against proven perpetrators which will include tenancy enforcement in addition to ensuring we adopt a support-based approach as a means of intervention to changing someone’s behaviour, where they want to.

Download the Policy on Domestic Abuse (PDF)

Estate Management Policy

This policy seeks to clarify Ipswich Borough Council’s approach to key issues affecting our tenants in the proper management of their homes.  

This policy also sets out the role the Council will have in the wider management of the estates where Council homes are situated.

Download the Estate Management Policy (PDF)

Download the Estate Management Policy – Key Points (PDF)

Fire Safety Policy

This Policy seeks to ensure that a formalised framework is in place to manage fire risk across the housing portfolio and that this can be planned, delivered, monitored and reviewed in such a way that continuous improvement is achieved, and that the Council has strategic direction to manage fire risk appropriately.

Download the Policy on Fire Safety (PDF)

Housing Income Management Strategy 2025 - 2027

This Policy sets out the overall approach to income management and defines the vision and priorities. It aims to mitigate the impact of welfare reforms and financial pressures on the tenants and income. It will also help to deliver the objectives of the Tenancy Services Operational Plan to maximise income and sustain tenancies.

Download the Housing Income Management Strategy 2025 - 2027 (PDF)

Leasehold Management Policy

This policy outlines the principles, goals, and guidelines that the Council will follow in meeting its obligations to leaseholders in the management of the Leasehold Service. This policy is not a substitute for legal advice about the specific terms and covenants within each lease. The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for decision-making and to establish a consistent approach to specific issues. It helps stakeholders understand the expectations and standards that should be upheld.

Download the Policy on Leasehold Management (PDF)

Policy on keeping pets and animals

Our policy on keeping pets and animals in Ipswich Borough Council housing explains the rules and guidelines for tenants who wish to have pets. It covers what types of animals are permitted and any requirements or restrictions that apply.

For more detailed information on each policy, please refer to the specific policy documents or contact us directly.

Download the Policy on Keeping Pets and Animals (PDF)

Reasonable Adjustment Policy

The Reasonable Adjustment Policy outlines the support we offer to tenants with disabilities. It includes information on how to request changes or adaptations to your home to meet your needs.

Download the Reasonable Adjustment Policy (PDF)

Rent and Service Charge Policy

This policy sets out our approach to the setting of rent and service charges. Its aim is to ensure that we comply with all relevant legislation, Regulator of Social Housing regulatory requirements and recognised best practice. The Policy will ensure compliance specifically to the Regulatory Rent Standard and Guidance - GOV.UK  also ensuring that the Council has a transparent approach to rent and service charge setting.

Download the Policy on Rent and Service Charges (PDF)

Right to Manage Policy

Local authority Tenants have a statutory Right to Manage under the Right to Manage guidance - GOV.UK. As a registered provider of Social Housing, Ipswich Borough Council adheres to the statutory requirements. This Policy sets out the Council’s position regarding the regulations and provides a clear statement on the approach proposed to be taken where instances may arise.

Download the Policy on Right to Manage (PDF)

Succession Policy 

This policy sets out the circumstances in which a person may succeed to an Ipswich Borough Council tenancy, but it does not apply to leases or licences. Succession is the process whereby a tenancy passes to another person on the death of the original tenancy holder or joint tenant. Only certain individuals can succeed to a tenancy upon the tenant’s death, and this will depend on various things such as the type of tenancy held by the deceased, and the relationship with the deceased tenant.

Download the Policy on Succession (PDF)

Tenancy Management Policy

This policy clarifies Ipswich Borough Council’s approach to different Tenancy types, when they will be used and how they will be managed. The Policy explains the various types of tenancies offered by the Council, our obligations to tenants and how these are shaped by relevant legislation. This policy is not applicable to Temporary Housing, Shared - Ownership and Leasehold tenures.

Download the Policy on Tenancy Management (PDF)