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From 1st November 2026, if you receive a DAS-issued mattress, you will be asked to keep it and continue to use it until it reaches the supplier's five-year shelf life or you no longer need it. To help keep track of this, all new mattresses issued from 1 November 2026 will be labelled with the month and year they were provided.
If you already have a mattress issued before 1 November 2026, there is no change and the current process will continue to apply.
In occupancy requests for mattresses will be only for collection, unless it is exchanging a cot mattress for a single mattress to grow with the child. All other in occupancy requests for new mattresses will need to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Once a mattress reaches five years old, a replacement can be requested through the usual in-occupancy process.
Changes to CAS Survey Communications
Improved communications for families about Condition Surveys (formerly CAS Surveys) were introduced on 1 October 2026. While the survey process remains the same, the new letters and booking process are designed to make it clearer why surveys are carried out and easier to arrange an appointment.
We encourage you to take part and provide access when requested as these condition surveys help DIO understand the condition and safety of your home, identify any maintenance needs, and plan future improvements. Please note, you will now be able to choose an appointment date before survey teams visit your area.
Access for safety inspections
Regular gas and electrical safety inspections are a vital part of keeping Service Family Accommodation safe for you and your family.
If you are unable to attend a booked appointment, please contact the service provider as soon as possible to arrange an alternative date. Failure to provide access may result in the matter being escalated through the Chain of Command and, where necessary, authorised entry arrangements may be implemented to enable essential safety inspections to be completed.
Storms: Checking your home for damage
Following the recent storms which affected many parts of the UK, we encourage Service families living in SFA to carry out a quick check of their home and garden for any signs of damage.
Taking a few minutes to inspect your home can help identify problems early and prevent further damage. If you spot any damage or have concerns about the condition of your home, please report it to Pinnacle as soon as possible. You can do this through HomeHub or by contacting the National Service Centre on 0800 031 8628. If there is an immediate danger to life or property, you should contact the emergency services first.
Be on the look out for:
- Loose, cracked or missing roof tiles.
- Damaged, leaning or fallen fencing.
- Fallen branches, trees or other debris in your garden.
- Signs of water ingress, leaks, damp patches or flooding.
- Damage to doors, windows, gutters or other parts of your home.
- Loose items or structures that may have been affected by high winds.
If you are planning a move in the UK before or during the Christmas and New Year period, please submit your accommodation and removals applications as early as possible. Demand for moving services is typically higher at this time of year so booking early gives you the best opportunity to secure your preferred moving date and make arrangements confidently ahead of the festive period.
While arrangements are always in place to support short-notice needs, early applications help us to plan our effectively and reduce pressure during the busy winter period to deliver the best possible service to Service families. We encourage anyone expecting to move before Christmas or over the holiday period to start the process as soon as you can.