Changes to Housing Management & Anti-Social Behaviour Policies in Flintshire

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016, which came into effect from the 1st December 2022, is the biggest change to housing law in Wales for decades.

The implementation of the significant changes brought about by the Act, has made it necessary to review and draft revised policies and procedures such as the Council’s Housing Management Policy and the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy. A summary of the main changes proposed are:

Adding and removing contract holders:

New procedures will now allow for some occupiers to leave without prejudicing the others.

Abandonment:

The process of excluding an absent contract holder is now significantly easier whether against a sole or joint contract holder. A landlord can do so without a Court order and one joint contract holder can exclude another by an application to the Court.

Succession rights:

These are considerably enhanced in many cases. Most notably, survivorship falls outside of the succession rules, which has previously created real difficulties when children have been unable to succeed to a tenancy after the death of both parents.

Effective Systems:

The aim of the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy is to ensure that effective systems are adopted to prevent and minimise instances of anti-social behaviour and to resolve them as early as possible through timely and appropriate intervention.

These changes will enhance the service the Council provides, simplifying processes in cases of domestic abuse, or where there is a relationship break down. It will ensure that properties are not left unoccupied for lengthy periods, as well as supporting independent living for many young people still living at home, creating secure long-term living conditions in a time where it has become increasingly difficult due to rising rents or inability to buy.

Anti-social behaviour covers a range of behaviours from low-level nuisance to serious harassment, all of which can damage the quality of life and interfere with the ability of people to use and enjoy their home and community. These changes to policy will enhance the service the Council provides to enable it to tackle this behaviour effectively and efficiently.

Vicky Clark – Chief Officer, Housing & Communities said:

“The Council is committed to providing an effective and efficient housing management and anti-social behaviour service that reflects best practice, complies with legislation and protects the rights of residents in the community whilst minimising risk to the Council.”

Cllr Sean Bibby – Cabinet Member, Housing & Regeneration said:

“These changes will be welcomed by Flintshire Council Contract Holders and residents. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities, and I am confident that these changes will enable the Council to work with the people of Flintshire to reduce this sort of behaviour and prevent it from happening in the future.”