Propertymark has urged the Scottish Government for a targeted review of anti-social behaviour specifically in the housing sector.
This comes after the recommendations from the ‘Independent Working Group on Anti-social Behaviour’ publication from the Scottish Government.
Propertymark welcomed most recommendations but criticised the limited focus on the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) system, which manages possession cases linked to anti-social behaviour referred by landlords.
They noted the slow decisions in the private rented sector (PRS) allowed problems to persist, causing issues for landlords and tenants alike.
Propertymark’s evidence also suggested that tenants causing anti-social behaviour often improved their conduct before tribunal hearings.
Because the process was lengthy, judges dismissed cases when behaviour seemed to improve but often it continued post-hearing.
Judges also often accepted apologies without mechanisms to ensure genuine improvement.
Propertymark welcomed the report’s recommendations for reform, like reviewing local authority anti-social behaviour team tools and procedures.
Access to these teams had become harder for landlords and agents after Covid-19 and reduced local Government resources.
Improving data collection to support multi-agency approaches involving local authorities, Police Scotland, and others was also recommended.
Property agents and landlords should be included, said Propertymark, which also supported prioritising court cases with linked housing or anti-social behaviour issues.
Propertymark has written to Angela Constance MSP, indicating the need for more engagement with letting agents and landlords, and called for a focused effort on anti-social behaviour in Scotland’s housing sector.
Tim Thomas, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, said: “We were very pleased to support the Scottish Government by taking part in the Independent Group’s review.
“However, given the stress on the private rented sector from the shortage of social housing in Scotland and the added pressures from rent control measures, there is now a clear need for the Scottish Government to review anti-social behaviour in the housing sector.”
Thomas added: “Furthermore, while we welcome the recommendation for the First-Tier Tribunal to prioritise the most serious cases of anti-social behaviour in the private rented sector, and the possibility of special hearings in civil courts, the performance of the First-Tier Tribunal must improve to give landlords and their property agents the confidence and tools to seek possession in serious anti-social behaviour cases.”
