Crackdown on bad tenants is needed
COUNCILLORS called for a crackdown on tenants who damage their homes and cause hell for their neighbours during a debate on a new tenant handbook.
Cllr Malcolm Byrne said except in exceptional circumstances council tenants who are not paying their rent should not have repairs carried out on their homes. ‘We should continue to recognise the good tenants who pay their rent and keep their properties in good condition. It’s absolutely wrong when tenants who don’t pay their rent are provided with new kitchens.’
He said anti social behaviour should feature in big black letters in the handbook.
‘As councillors we encounter anti social behaviour which is causing untold distress to people across the county. Places have been left in a dreadful condition with tens of thousands of euros in damage caused. People shouldn’t be allowed to live in a house indefinitely if they are wrecking it and wrecking their communities.’
Cllr Michael Sheehan said there needs to be a section of the handbook devoted to the responsibility tenants have to their neighbours. ‘ This concerns anti social behaviour inside or outside their house. It used to be three strikes you’re out. Now it’s one strike, you’re out.’
Cllr Davy Hynes said often it comes down to two or three families causing havoc in an estate. ‘Unfortunately some people just don’t listen,’ he said.
Cllr Deirdre Wadding said there needs to be flexibility to cover sudden events in people’s lives, ‘ like if someone drops from a heart attack’.
Cllr Tony Dempsey said some tenants are afraid to report misbehaving tenants.
Cllr George Lawlor said he only knows of one tenant who has been evicted by Wexford County Council over the past 14 years for bad behaviour.
‘ The people who are committing this anti social behaviour feel that they are immune to any action being taken against them. They can shout at people, burn cars and break windows.’
Cllr Sheehan refuted this, saying several tenants have been evicted on these grounds.
Director of Services for Housing John Carley said people are afraid to report incidences in estates.
Cllr Byrne said: ‘I appreciate what the director is saying, that people are afraid to say anything but that is where we step in.’
Chairman Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said the council needs to adopt a zero tolerance approach to anti social behaviour in estates.
A suggestion was made that more cameras be placed in estates to monitor anti social behaviour.
The councillors agreed to amend the handbook to include their suggestions.