Call to prioritise housing in Scotland’s anti-social behaviour crackdown

One leading professional body is demanding a sharper focus from the Scottish government on tackling anti-social behaviour within the housing sector.

It follows a comprehensive assessment by the Independent Working Group on Anti-Social Behaviour in Scotland.

Propertymark is voicing its concerns over the group’s attention to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber).

It oversees eviction proceedings tied to problematic tenants in both social and private rented homes.

Review anti-social behaviour

Propertymark’s policy and campaigns officer, Tim Thomas, took part in the review and he said: “We were very pleased to support the Scottish government by taking part in the Independent Group’s review.

“However, given the stress on the private rented sector from the shortage of social housing in Scotland and the added pressures from rent control measures, there is now a clear need for the Scottish government to review anti-social behaviour in the housing sector.”

He added: “Furthermore, while we welcome the recommendation for the First-tier Tribunal to prioritise the most serious cases of anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector, and the possibility of special hearings in civil courts, the performance of the First-tier Tribunal must improve to give landlords and their property agents the confidence and tools to seek possession in serious anti-social behaviour cases.”

Decision making in PRS disputes

Propertymark says it has contributed to the study and has praised several suggestions but highlights the Tribunal’s slow decision making in PRS disputes.

This delay, it argues, allows troublemakers to persist in ‘causing misery’ for their landlords and neighbours.

Evidence submitted by the organisation reveals a troubling pattern: tenants often temporarily curb their disruptive habits before tribunal hearings, only to resume afterwards.

Compounding the issue, lengthy proceedings frequently lead judges to dismiss cases when behaviour seems improved – and tenant apologies are being accepted without robust follow-up measures to ensure lasting change.

Handling anti-social behaviour

However, the report’s call for reform was met with approval from Propertymark, particularly its push to scrutinise local authority teams handling anti-social behaviour.

Access to these services has dwindled for letting agents and landlords since the Covid-19 crisis and subsequent cuts to council budgets.

Proposals to enhance data-sharing for collaboration between councils, Police Scotland and other key players have been well-received.

Fast-track court cases

Propertymark insists that agents and landlords must be included in these efforts.

The organisation says it welcomes suggestions to fast-track court cases involving housing or anti-social behaviour amid the current judicial backlog.

In a letter to Angela Constance, Scotland’s cabinet secretary for justice and home affairs, Propertymark stressed the urgency of deeper dialogue with letting agents and landlords.

It also wants a dedicated investigation into housing-related disturbances.

Share This Article