CASE STUDY ONE
The Challenge
Our client, a large registered provider, owns many housing estates across London. They had let a flat to a family with four young children. Unfortunately, this family exhibited serious anti-social behaviour both inside the flat and in the immediate locality. This was a nuisance and annoyed neighbours, visitors and the client's staff. All four children were known to police for thefts, burglaries and public order offences. Indeed, they were considered to be the main cause of all the problems at the property and on the estate. The client sought a possession order against the tenants.
How We Helped
Our solicitors are acutely aware of the many difficulties, sensitive issues and risks involved in claims of this nature, particularly involving minors. We are also aware of potential media involvement. So we advised the client to investigate thoroughly allegations brought against the family. We met with neighbours, the client's contractors who worked on the estate, police and the client's members of staff. Following our advice, the client gave the tenants the chance to show some improvements in their family's behaviour. No improvements appeared. Legal action was the only way to proceed.
The Result
The court granted an outright possession order. The family moved away and peace on the estate was restored.
CASE STUDY TWO
The Challenge
Our client, a registered provider, had let a studio flat on a housing estate to a single tenant. This tenant was later suspected of dealing drugs from the property. The tenant's brother had moved into the property and seemed to be responsible for the drug dealing. In addition, the tenant had stopped paying rent and his account had fallen into arrears.
How We Helped
We recommended quick action. We advised our client to seek possession of the property. Time was of the essence and within two days, we had obtained sufficient evidence to allow the client to attend court. The court granted the application and the client obtained an injunction against the tenant, forbidding him from dealing drugs at the property or allowing others to do so. The court also ordered that the brother should be excluded from the property.
The Result
By preventing the tenant's brother from returning, we ensured that the client obtained interim relief without having to wait for the trial date. When the court heard the possession claim several months later, it also granted our client's claim. The drug dealing tenant was evicted.