England: Ombudsman encourages landlords to focus on hate incidents in antisocial behaviour

England: Ombudsman encourages landlords to focus on hate incidents in antisocial behaviour

The Housing Ombudsman has published its latest learning from severe maladministration report, focusing on how landlords have handled antisocial behaviour ASB complaints and highlighting seven key areas the Ombudsman is seeing severe maladministration in ASB.

These include previously highlighted areas such as hate incidents and noise, as well as the use of risk assessments and action plans. The report also focuses on different areas, such as the relationship between ASB and repairs.

Failings in these cases show the significant human impact of ASB. One resident who experienced nightly noise made 115 recordings but met by limited and late responses by their landlord. In another case a resident whose windows were smashed waited 14 months for repairs. In a further case the landlord took 22 months to repair doors that could have reduced noise.

In a few cases, residents ended their tenancies after poor ASB handling – losing a home which was meant to be safe and secure.

Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, said: “Like all tenures, ASB can happen. But because social tenants can move less easily, the importance of good neighbourhood management is even greater.

“This ensures the benefits of building strong roots in communities through longer tenancies does not tip into feeling trapped when there is ASB.

“This report asks why we repeatedly see similar failings. It provides an opportunity for landlords to reflect on the fundamentals of ASB: what is their role, how to manage expectations, and where to work with others.

“It offers three questions landlords to consider. What do hate incidents mean for social landlords? How to coordinate repairs and ASB handling more effectively? And what does good complaint handling look like in an ASB case?”

Richard continued: “I have met with some inspirational practitioners working on ASB since our last severe maladministration report. Their openness around learning lessons and absence of defensiveness is positive. We also find fewer service failings in ASB cases than in other areas.

“Given the challenges and individual nature of each case, this is a considerable achievement. Landlords continuing to take lessons from our casework will benefit from seeing further improvements.”

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