Several social housing tenants evicted in Northern Ireland due to anti-social behaviour last year

Social housing is managed by both the Housing Executive (NIHE) and more than a dozen housing associations across the region.

In the 12 months to April, the NIHE served 19 ‘notices seeking possession’ [NSP] and three ‘notices of possession’ on tenants at its properties due to ASB.

These notices are the initial stages in possession proceedings, which must then be followed by other key legal stages, such as Ejectment Civil Bill and there is also a requirement on the NIHE to obtain a Decree for Possession from a court.

In 2020/21, the NIHE obtained possession less than ten of these properties that had previously had a service of notice for anti-social behaviour.

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong, deputy chair of Stormont’s Communities Committee, said the number of evictions is concerning.

“Whilst social housing providers will sometimes have no other option left than to evict a person, we need further investment in provision of support to those being evicted and for those who are or have had to live with the consequences of another person’s anti-social behaviour,” she said.

“We need a specific outcome on housing in the next programme for government to address the reasons behind evictions.

"That outcome would ensure appropriate investment for support for vulnerable tenants is provided to the Housing Executive, social housing providers and the community sector who provide the services.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Andy Allen added: “More often than not tenancy based ASB will span over months or longer having a profound impact on those at the receiving end.

"We need to develop a network that provides assistance and support to those who are impacted by tenancy based ASB which can deliver a proactive response.

"We also need to identify the issues those responsible for ASB may be facing in their personal lives, whether that be social, mental health or other factors and implement a joined-up, cross-departmental approach to developing practical solutions. Simply ‘moving the problem on’ is not the answer, all this does is create another problem somewhere else, with additional cost and impact on other tenants.”

The NIHE said the vast majority of social housing tenants are positive neighbours and only a small number engage in ASB, however, when this does happen, it can have a significant impact on neighbouring households and the wider community.

It said its new ‘Working Together for Safer Communities’ strategy aims to increase levels of reporting of anti-social behaviour and reports can be made through its website, by phone and in person at the NIHE’s offices or via its local patch managers.

“We’ve robust policies and procedures for dealing with anti-social behaviour, with a range of responses available to deal with complaints,” the NIHE said.

“This may include interventions such as the issuing of warning letters, acceptable behaviour contracts, seeking support for underlying issues and or mediation services.

“Often unacceptable behaviour is resolved by working with partner agencies across the statutory, voluntary and community sectors, recognising the role other specialist organisations play in addressing behaviour and any underlying causes to assist individuals in sustaining their tenancy.

“Our staff also provide support to victims of anti-social behaviour and will facilitate referrals and signposting to other organisations, where required.

“In serious cases or where intervention measures have not been successful, we will use our statutory powers to seek to repossess properties or seek an injunction from the court in circumstances where it is required.”

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