Labour MP questions landlord role in tackling tenant anti-social behaviour

A Labour MP has suggested landlords should take a greater role in tackling anti-social behaviour caused by tenants.

In a Parliamentary written question, Connor Naismith MP asked whether the government was taking steps “to make private landlords responsible for dealing with anti-social behaviour caused by their tenants”.

In response, housing minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed under the Renters’ Rights Act, landlords can evict tenants for anti-social behaviour.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority

Mr Pennycook said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour is a top priority for this government, and a key part of our Safer Streets Mission.

“We will crack down on those making neighbourhoods feel unsafe and unwelcoming by introducing the new Respect Order, which local authorities will be able to apply for, and which will carry tough sanctions and penalties for persistent adult offenders.”

He added: “The police, local authorities and social landlords may already apply for a Civil Injunction under Section 1 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to prevent behaviour that is causing housing-related nuisance and annoyance.

“Landlords have powers to regain possession where necessary. The Renters’ Rights Act  shortened the notice period for the existing mandatory eviction ground (7A). Landlords can make a claim to the court immediately in all cases of anti-social behaviour.

“The act also ensures judges in possession cases have particular regard to whether tenants have engaged with efforts to resolve their behaviour and the impact on other tenants within HMOs.

“Under selective and HMO licensing, local authorities can also use licence conditions to require landlords to take steps to manage and deal with anti-social behaviour caused by their tenants.”

Landlords can reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour by asking for references

As previously reported by Property118, under the Renters’ Rights Act, when using a discretionary ground for possession, landlords will have to prove that anti-social behaviour has occurred, and the court will then decide whether it is reasonable to evict the tenant.

The government guidance provides examples of what counts as anti-social behaviour, covering both criminal and non-criminal behaviour, for example:

• causing a nuisance to neighbours
• noise
• verbal abuse, harassment and threats
• drug use or drug dealing
• vandalism
• graffiti
• fly-tipping and littering
• discarding syringes or needles
• issues with pets

However, the government guidance says minor issues such as problems with bins, parking disputes, or one-off incidents do not count as anti-social behaviour.

The government guidance also claims landlords can reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour by asking for a reference from a previous landlord or letting agency.