England: Housing association secures urgent injunction following social gathering at tenant’s home

A housing association has taken urgent legal action against a tenant in Manchester who continued to flout new government guidelines on social distancing after hosting parties for up to 20 people. 

Mosscare St Vincent’s said the tenant ignored rules outlined by the UK Government last week and caused harassment, alarm and distress to neighbouring residents.

Despite the new rules, the tenant in question continued to allow excessive numbers of visitors to come and go from the property as well as hosting noisy, disruptive parties.

The terms of the injunction granted prohibit the tenant from allowing any visitor to attend at their property, save for their children, until such time that the government guidance relating to social distancing is officially lifted.

Matt Jones, director of customers at Mosscare St Vincent’s, said the steps taken send out a message to other residents that this type of behaviour is extremely serious in the current climate and tenants will face urgent legal action if their reckless behaviour places others at risk of harm.

He added: “Residents must realise that the restrictions put in place by the Government are to minimise the spread of the virus and must be adhered to.  We will continue to take appropriate action to ensure that residents living in our communities are kept safe during this time of unprecedented risk.”

Amy Stirton, associate solicitor at Forbes Solicitors, who worked with the Association on the case, said: “As a team, we are very well equipped to continue taking urgent steps to protect our clients’ residents and ensure that reckless behaviour is addressed in the most serious way by the courts.

“The Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides an array of tools that can be utilised by landlords during this national emergency and this case demonstrates that whilst the court is now compelled to suspend proceedings relating to possession cases, it is still prepared to take steps to ensure that members of the public are protected.”

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