Easier eviction process proposed

PROPOSED changes to housing law could make it easier to deal with “neighbours from hell”.

The Scottish Government has put forward plans that could give councils and housing associations more flexibility when allocating property and make it simpler to evict tenants due to anti-social behaviour.

Housing minister Keith Brown said the changes could benefit “good tenants who currently feel powerless to deal with bad neighbours, who make their lives a living hell”.

Housing associations recorded around 24,000 complaints about anti-social behaviour in 2009-10.

Now the Scottish Government proposes changing the law so housing associations and councils can consider previous anti-social behaviour when deciding who should get priority for housing.

Mr Brown said: “Anti-social behaviour has a serious impact on individuals and communities. The measures we are introducing will also help good tenants.”