Public housing tenants who engage in antisocial behaviour face a stronger and swifter response under changes introduced by the Liberal Government, effective from today.
The new SA Housing Authority policy makes it clear what anti-social behaviours are unacceptable from tenants.
Under the new policy, the small number of Housing SA tenants who engage in serious and ongoing anti-social behaviour will come under greater scrutiny, get fewer warnings and face eviction if they do not improve their behaviour.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink took the opportunity to stress the majority of Housing SA tenants were respectful.
"The vast majority of public housing tenants do the right thing, maintain their property, pay their rent and are respectful of their neighbours," said Minister Lensink.
"However, there continues to be a small number who engage in serious and on-going, antisocial behaviour.
"Serious anti-social behaviour includes things like illegal activity on properties such as cultivating prohibited drugs and assaulting neighbours or Housing SA staff or contractors, or damaging a property leaving it uninhabitable.
"This behaviour is not acceptable and is particularly frustrating when we know there are many people who could benefit from secure public housing, yet a small minority abuse the privilege of being a public housing tenant."
The changes include:
• Tenants will receive a maximum of three warnings (one verbal and two written) before the Authority considers seeking eviction through the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)
• Previously, tenants received up to seven warnings before action was taken
• In cases where ongoing and serious antisocial behaviour or illegal activity is established, eviction may be pursued immediately
• Staff will focus more on serious complaints such as threats or intimidation, and redirect more minor complaints, such as noise, to appropriate authorities
• Acceptable standards of behaviour and accountability will be more clearly communicated to tenants who engage in antisocial behaviour
• There will be earlier provision of support for tenants who need assistance to maintain their tenancy
"These changes will mean that housing staff will have more time to investigate serious complaints and better manage the small number of tenants who cause ongoing problems," said Minister Lensink.
"Some tenants do have mitigating circumstances in their lives that are extremely challenging, such domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental illness, and these can affect their ability to make good decisions and live peacefully in the community.
"Where appropriate, staff can arrange support services and early intervention to help people to take the steps they need to maintain their tenancy and staff are working to identify at-risk tenants earlier so that supports can be put in place sooner.
"All tenants are expected to be accountable for their behaviour and respect the rights and privacy of their neighbours.
It is also their responsibility to ensure appropriate behaviour by their family and any visitors to their home."
With the rollout of the new policy, tenants who have already had two warnings have been notified of the policy change.
More information about the new policy can be found at www.sa.gov.au/housing/asb
