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Bolton at Home and Bolton Council work closely together to help support residents, local businesses and landlords in the Private Sector who are suffering from Anti Social Behaviour.
Anti social Behaviour can include the following examples:
* Problems with children/youths
* Noise nuisance
* Violent criminal behaviour
* Racial Harassment
* Intimidation
* Drug Dealing
Private Sector Antisocial Behaviour (ASB)
Bolton Council employs a Private Landlord Support & Development Officer to work with private landlords to encourage and enable them to take action around ASB. This includes:
Providing information and advice that encourages private landlords to focus on preventing ASB
Maximising private landlords' use of the ASB Guide for private landlords which includes tenancy management tools and documents
Delivering ASB workshops and training which target specific groups including hard to reach private landlords
Offering private landlords with more complex learning requirements an individual Tenancy Management Plan
Utilising the ASB Service Centre links and expertise to ensure a joined up and effective approach.
Assisting and sharing information with other services and agencies in responding to difficult and at risk situations
The Private Landlord Support & Development Officer encourages private landlords to become a member of Bolton Accredited Residential Landlord Organisation (BARLO). BARLO promotes responsible landlord practices and works to improve the reputation of the private rented sector.
BARLO supports member landlords in tackling problems with their tenancies. By joining BARLO, landlords can achieve accredited property status. Members have access to information and support that helps them attract responsible tenants who do not cause any problems for the neighbours and take reasonable care to ensure the property remains in good condition.
The Private Landlord Support & Development Officer will also take direct action in response to complaints regards ASB in the Selective Licensing Scheme around Union Road/Starkie Road area. Selective licensing gives the Council powers to introduce licensing conditions for private sector rented houses within the designated area that benefit the local community, helping to ensure that private tenancies are managed properly. The benefits of Selective Licensing when combined with other initiatives include:
• Prevention of and reduction in anti-social behaviour
• support and training for responsible landlords
• improved image and perception of the area
• provision of better housing standards for private tenants
• increased sense of community spirit
• a positive economic future for the local community and businesses in the area.
The private landlord must apply to be licensed and meet basic requirements otherwise they cannot operate as a private landlord. Also, if they meet licensing standards now but breach the licensing conditions at a later date then the Council could revoke the original licence.
The Private Landlord Support & Development Officer will respond directly to ASB cases in the selective licensing area only, but will monitor the level of complaints in other target areas of Bolton and signpost reporters to the appropriate services and agencies which may include:
Its Your Call
Greater Manchester Police
Housing Advice Services
Bolton Accredited & Residential Landlord Organisation
Housing & Public Health Unit
Environmental Enforcement Team
Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services
The private rented sector target areas in Bolton are:
• The Haulgh
• Tonge Moor
• Queens Park
• Tong Fold
• Great Lever
• Brooklyn Street area
• Oxford Grove area
Private landlords and their tenants who are unable or fail to act upon complaints of nuisance and ASB, will be encouraged to work with enforcement services and agencies to ensure all existing tools and powers available are considered and implemented which may include:
Property Improvement Notices
Noise Abatement Notices
Advice and Warning Letters
Notice of Seeking Possession
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts
Anti Social Behaviour Orders
Premises Closure Orders
Management Orders
Selective Licensing
If you have a query about antisocial behaviour in the private rented sector target areas please contact:
Barry Davies
Private Landlord Support & Development Officer
ASB Service Centre
4 The Courtyard
The Valley
Bolton
BL1 8PB
Tel: 01204 335949
Mobile: 07717 3555586
Fax: 01204 332120
Email: barry.davies@boltonathome.org.uk USEFUL LINKS - PLEASE SELECT & CLICK LINKS BELOW TO VIEW:
Click here for further Information on Anti Social Behaviour
Click here to view Bolton at Home's information on Anti Social Behaviour including policy & procedures
The Be Safe Bolton Strategic Partnership
Community Safety Team - Bolton Council
Updated 11.9.09
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