Landlords given stronger eviction powers by the UK Government to deal with unruly tenants who persistently cause problems with their neighbours. In the Governments new Anti-social behavior action plan, landlords will be granted new powers to evict and tackle tenants who engage in persistent noise disturbance, drunk and disorderly behaviour, and other types of anti-social behaviour that impact other peoples quality of life. The new rules are intended to provide a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of anti-social behaviour and offer police and local authorities tools to tackle the problem.
However, while the Government has announced the new measures, details do still remain scarce, leaving many questions needing to be answered. The Governments commitment to strengthening landlords ability to evict was welcome by Ben Beadle, the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA). who says said anti-social tenants “blight the lives of fellow renters and their neighbours.”
NRLA have been campaigning for stronger eviction powers for years, arguing that the abolition of Section 21 (expected as part of the Rental Reform Bill laster this year) would make it more difficult for landlords to evict anti-social tenants, particularly those in HMO’s
Landlords Struggle With Anti-social Tenants
According to recent polling by NRLA, 50% of landlords have attempted to repossess a property they own due to a tenants anti-social or criminal behaviour. Of this group, 84% had received no help in sorting the problem from their local council, while 75% had received no help from the police dealing with anti-social tenants.
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, 16 areas in England and Wales will be funded to support either new “hotspot” police and enforcement patrols in areas with the highest rates of anti-social behaviour or a trial a new “Immediate Justice” scheme to deliver swift and visible punishments. A select few areas will trial both interventions, and both schemes will then be rolled out across England and Wales in 2024.
Tougher Measures To Combat Anti-social Behaviour:Â
In hotspot trailblazer areas, there will be an increase in Police presence alongside other authority figures such as wardens, in problem areas for anti-social behaviour, including public transport, high streets and parks. Meanwhile, under the new Immediate Justice scheme, those found committing anti-social behaviour will be made to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities with an ambition for them to start work as soon as 48 hours after their offense so victims know that anti-social behaviour is treated seriously and with urgency.
Offenders, who will be made to wear high-vis vests or jumpsuits and work under strict supervision, could be made to pick up litter, remove graffiti, and wash police cars as punishment for their actions. Victims of anti-social behaviour from the local community will be given a say in offenders punishment to ensure justice is visible and fits the crime.
UK Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Plan Cracks Down on Laughing Gas to Combat Intimidating Gangs
The Governments tolerance approach will also include a ban on Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to send a clear message to intimidating gangs that hang around high streets and children’s parks and litter them with empty canisters they will not get away with this type of behaviour.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has highlighted the damaging impact anti-social behaviour has on local pride, high streets, and parks, and emphasised the Governments commitment to delivering change to affected communities. The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan aims to provide tougher, quicker and more visible justice to prevent thuggish behaviour in town centres and ensure that young people have access to opportunities and activities to succeed in life. The Governments investment in the plan reflects in mandate to delivery safer streets and level up communities all over the country.
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