Southwark council has threatened tenants convicted of riot-related offences with eviction.
The council has written to 35 tenants warning that if they, or members of their household, are found guilty of offences related to the recent London riots, they could be forced to leave the council-owned properties.
Under the rules of The Housing Act, landlords have grounds for eviction due to tenancy breaches, nuisance, anti-social and criminal behaviour.
The letter from Gerri Scott, Southwark’s strategic director of housing services, said: “The council is considering what action to take and is working with the police and other agencies to ensure we have all the necessary information to decide whether to take legal action against you.”
A “demoted tenancy” idea is also being mooted, which stops a tenancy being secure for an initial period of 12 months. If tenants fail to comply with the terms of a demoted tenancy, the council can then apply to the court for an order to evict.
Riots in London between 6-9 August caused criminal damage to 350 properties, according to the Metropolitan Police. Southwark council claimed 120 businesses in the borough were affected by the disturbances.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
