Decision

A decision has been made to serve a Notice of Seeking Possession upon xxx, secure tenant of 14 xxx, xxx, on the grounds of persistent anti-social behaviour, nuisance and breach of tenancy conditions, and to authorise the commencement of possession proceedings should this become necessary.

Reasons for the decision

The tenant has breached clauses 19, 20 and 24 of the tenancy agreement relating to tenant responsibility, anti-social behaviour and nuisance.

Since March 2025, the council has received a significant number of complaints from neighbouring residents and has obtained evidence through officer observations of persistent shouting, screaming, disruptive vocalisations, inappropriate comments and behaviour causing nuisance, annoyance and distress to residents and others within the locality.

Council officers have undertaken extensive tenancy management interventions and have worked jointly with health and social care professionals and support providers to identify less intrusive measures capable of resolving the issues. Despite these interventions, the behaviour has continued and has had a significant and ongoing impact upon neighbouring residents. The Equality and Proportionality Assessment concluded that possession action is necessary and proportionate having regard to the tenant's circumstances, the Human Rights Act 1998 and the impact upon other residents.

Possession action is therefore being pursued under Ground 2 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1985.

This decision is taken under Part 4 of the Arun District Council Constitution – Officer Scheme of Delegation. Sections 1.1, 1.5 and 1.6 provide delegated authority for housing management functions and the institution of legal proceedings. The Interim Group Head of Landlord Services is therefore authorised to approve possession action arising from breaches of tenancy conditions and anti-social behaviour.

Alternative options considered

Prior to seeking possession action, the council undertook extensive tenancy management interventions and worked jointly with a range of professionals involved in xxx care and support.

Alternative solutions explored included increased care provision, respite accommodation, attendance at day services and the feasibility of live-in care arrangements. These options were considered in an effort to reduce the impact of the behaviour on neighbouring residents whilst maintaining the tenancy. Despite these measures and ongoing multi-agency engagement, reports of nuisance and anti-social behaviour continued over a prolonged period.

The council therefore concluded that service of a Notice of Seeking Possession represented the most reasonable and proportionate course of action available.