Page 325 - Week 01 - Thursday, 18 February 1993
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MR. CONNOLLY - The answer to the Members question is as follows:
(I) The Housing Trust investigates all complaints made against its tenants. In investigating such complaints the Housing Trust is mindful of the provisions of the Privacy Act and the need to protect both the tenants and the complainants confidentiality.
If a complaint can be substantiated the tenant is interviewed and their obligations under their tenancy agreement reiterated. Legal action is taken if the tenant continues to break the tenancy agreement.
(2) In accordance with the Privacy Act complaints are dealt with tactfully and discretely. The Housing Trust will only involve the neighbourhood in its efforts to solve problems which may be caused by its tenants if such involvement is required, that is if the problem is a neighbourhood problem. Encouraging tenants to utilise the Conflict Resolution Service in resolving problems with neighbours is often used.
(3) The Housing Trust accepts responsibility only as far as is possible as a landlord. Housing Trust officers do refer tenants to support networks and agencies to help resolve social problems which are affecting their behaviour towards other tenants.
(4) The Housing Trust asks all tenants to observe their tenancy agreements. Legal action is taken where tenants are in breach of their tenancy agreement.
(5) The Housing Trust first attempts to resolve any disruptions caused by "problem" tenants. If they cannot be resolved the Housing Trust considers all appropriate action. Illegal activities are dealt with by the appropriate authorities.
(6) In extreme cases, where the tenant has breached his or her tenancy agreement, the Housing Trust will refuse to continue to provide accommodation.
(7) The Housing Trust does not change "problem tenants" to rental subsidies. The Housing Trust cannot terminate a tenancy agreement unless a tenant requests this action or is in breach of their tenancy agreement. A tenant can choose to vacate their property but they are then ineligible for rent relief for two years after vacating the property. In extremely difficult situations the Housing Trust may waive this criterion but this would not be done to overcome disruptive behaviour.
(8) The Housing Trust will attempt to assist in resolution of the problem as indicated above. If the tenant is in breach of their agreement legal action is taken.
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