Demotion for trouble-making tenants

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th May 2008

Trouble-making council tenants risk losing their tenancy rights after extra powers to tackle anti-social behaviour are adopted by Northampton Borough Council.

The demoted tenancy policy reduces the rights of secure tenants who are found to be harassing or intimidating their neighbours or preventing others from living peacefully.

Councillor Sally Beardsworth

Councillor Sally Beardsworth, Northampton Borough Council cabinet member responsible for housing, said: "The vast majority of our tenants are respectful of others and enjoy their homes and communities. However, there are some who don't and who quite frankly make their neighbours' lives a living hell.

"In some cases we will seek outright possession, but we hope this policy will help us tackle anti-social behaviour and protect our communities by acting as an early warning."

Under the new policy anyone found behaving anti-socially or causing nuisance to others will first be warned of the consequences of a demoted tenancy. Failure to change behaviour will result in an application to the court for demotion giving the tenant fewer rights for one year. If there are no further problems, a secure tenancy will be reinstated with regained rights.

Councillor Beardsworth said: "Demotion orders can stop a situation form escalating. They send out a clear warning to secure tenants who breach their tenancy. By their actions, they are sacrificing the security of their tenancy and as a consequence can be evicted more easily."

Other tenancy breaches such as not taking proper care of their home and not paying rent could also lead to a demoted tenancy.

Councillor Beardsworth added: "Eviction is always a last resort. By establishing a clear link between acceptable behaviour and the rights held by tenants, demoted tenancies should act as a deterrent."