06/05/2012 22:44:23
jayb
Posts: 2
|
Sorry to hear about your troubles, I feel for you. I have a couple of antisocial neighbours too but they aren't nearly as bad as your one. Reading through your posts makes me wonder if it might be worth contacting the police if you haven't done so already as it's very much criminal behaviour. Death threats are very serious (they prosecute people on Facebook for less) - I wonder if there's a way of recording her doing it and submitting it to the police?
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
28/02/2011 12:38:44
The Cake Fairy
Posts: 15
|
It doesn't matter to me how many audits you've had and what the outcome of these were.
Nothing has changed for me.
Still living in fear.
Still being disturbed at 3am by ridiculous amounts of noise and shouting.
Still adapting my life to avoid violence and confrontation.
Still receiving threats of death.
Still having to watch out for the day when my neighbour finds someone who will act on her behalf to seek revenge on me, as she is convinced that I need some sort of 'dealing with'.
Still feeling like I have let my children down because even though I do my best to protect them from these issues, we spend every day with the risk of repercussions.
I can't remember a time when I wasn't worried, or scared, or angry.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
26/02/2011 13:56:43
colour
Posts: 10
|
hydemartlet1 wrote:
My response to this mirrors the reply to the issue of fly tipping elsewhere. It would be useful to discuss your issues through with your local ASB Coordinator first and then if you are unhappy with the response or wish to discuss further to contact your local Neighbourhood Manager . I should just add for a point of accuracy that the full Audit Commission inspection of Martlet Homes in 2005 commended aspects of the ASB service in place and of course the organisation as a whole received 2 stars and promising prosects.
My records , going-back to 2002, demonstate that Martlet Homes have failed to deal with ASB effectively, until the present time. These records can be inspected, as proof of that fact.
Martlet Homes had several weeks to prepare for the 2005 Audit Commission Inspection. Having read the Commission's Report in it's entirety, I doubt that the Commission would have been shown correspondence relating to individual cases of ASB. If they had, then they wouldn't have "commended aspects of the ASB service". I don't recall seeing any ASB Sevice commendation in that Report.
Martlet Homes had 5 days to prepare for the more recent Audit Commission Short Notice Inspection, which wasn't a Full Inspection. Had it been, then no doubt Martlet Homes weaknesses would have been rated greater than it's strengths, rather than weaknesses & strengths in balance.
The Audit Commission has recently been found to not providing value for money & is due to be replaced.
Whether or not it's inappropriate to discuss these matters on a public Forum, would be a matter for the Forum's Host Moderator to decide. As in all Public Forums.
edited by colour on 26/02/2011
edited by colour on 26/02/2011
edited by colour on 26/02/2011
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
24/02/2011 15:03:05
hydemartlet1
Posts: 5
|
As I say it may be useful to talk through the issues with your Neighbourhood Manager and I note that you have communicated with your ASB Coordinator and you feel he is doing his best. I am sorry you are having difficulties in your mixed tenure scheme, it is difficult for me to comment any further without knowing the full details and background which is not appropriate to air in this public forum.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
24/02/2011 11:48:52
The Cake Fairy
Posts: 15
|
Well done regarding your 2 stars.
They go a huge way towards me feeling safe and secure in my own home! (sarcasm).
At the end of the day, you've failed and I'm sure that if this board was used by more people, I'm sure there would be more horrific stories of how Hyde Martlet have failed to get to grips with ASB.
I've been in regular contact with my local ASB Co-ordinator and he is a great man and I feel that he has done his best but at the end of the day, I am still living in my home with no option to move, paying my way and not feeling safe at all.
Something is not right, is it?
With regards to paying for repairs. There are 3 separate lots of damage in my block at the moment.
All 3 were caused by tenants. One of the problems has caused there to be an issue of safety to the stairs up to my home.
Has the tenant reported the damage he has done. No, after all it's not affecting him. Will he have to pay for it? No, he's on full benefits, so probably not. Will I have to pay towards it? Maybe, but because I'm paying my way and I'm a leaseholder, I don't really want and can't really afford to.
So, it'll probably just stay as it is and look terrible and become even more of a safety issue than it already is, therefore ending up costing more money to repair.
Leaseholders and Tenants in the same block will not ever work, especially if the tenants are of a type where they expect to live their life with everything being paid/fixed/sorted out for them.
Someone who pays a huge mortgage every month and takes financial responsibility for themselves, will obviously have a completely different take on the situation.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
24/02/2011 10:13:22
hydemartlet1
Posts: 5
|
My response to this mirrors the reply to the issue of fly tipping elsewhere. It would be useful to discuss your issues through with your local ASB Coordinator first and then if you are unhappy with the response or wish to discuss further to contact your local Neighbourhood Manager . I should just add for a point of accuracy that the full Audit Commission inspection of Martlet Homes in 2005 commended aspects of the ASB service in place and of course the organisation as a whole received 2 stars and promising prosects.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
31/01/2011 15:41:29
The Cake Fairy
Posts: 15
|
Thank you very much for your reply.
I will use the information you have given me wisely.
My anti-social neighbour did start problems almost as soon as she moved in, yet for the first 2 years or so, it was so difficult to get anyone to take any of the problems seriously. To this day, I never knew why this was, especially as these problems were not new.
Sometimes I don't know where to turn and what to do. There are so many problems and issues caused by this tenant and these have escalated recently due to the fact that she gathers up groups of other local trouble makers and brings them to our doorstep too.
Of course, part of the reason I don't take more action or really get a firm grip on the situation is because I'm also trying to hold down a full time job and look after my children!
I'm a sensible and resourceful person, yet everyway I look at this problem, I can't find an answer.
How do I keep my family safe?
How do I keep myself from being financially ruined?
No one ever gives me an answer.
Incidently, going back to the financial situation, I got a letter at Christmas, asking me to pay my yearly charges. I didn't want to pay, so I didn't, due to the fact that I shouldn't co-operate or keep to any agreements with Hyde, as they don't keep to their side of the bargain or offer any practical assistance. I got a letter at the end of last week and they've added the charges to my direct debit.
I haven't agreed to this!
Of course, it doesn't matter how difficult my life is and how much grief we get from an Anti-social tenant, as long as they get their money!
Thank you again for your help.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
29/01/2011 02:47:52
colour
Posts: 10
|
Hello "The Cake Fairy"
According to the Housing Corporation's current Residents & Applicants Booklet, which remains in force until 2012, when the newly-formed Tenants Service Authority is finally rolled-out across the UK, Registered Social Housing Associations are not obliged to house those with known Antisocial Behaviour or who are likely to cause Antisocial Behaviour. In any event, those Tenants who fall into that category should be flagged as such.
Registered Social Housing Associations are required to go through the Conditions of Tenancy before an Applicant signs the Tenancy Agreement. There have been several cases where Tenants have started their Antisocial Behaviour on the day they moved in. Which implies that Martlet Homes haven't complied with that requirement.
Registerd Social Housing Associations have targets set to fill void Tenancies.. Therefore no consideration is taken when placing those at the top of the Housing Application list under the points system, who fall into the above categories, amongst decent Tenants & Leaseholders. This lack of consideration by Registered Housing Associations & Local Councils is endemic throughout the UK.
In one of the Benelux Countries, those Social Housing Tenats who don't behave themselves are compounded in specially built Estates. In Russia they are compounded in "Boot Camps" with basic living conditions, until they behave themselves.
Now that we have a Centre-Right Wing Government, it looks as though the Liberal Left Wing Politically Correct Brigade with their "Let the little dears do what they like, otherwise we'll infringe their Human Rights" attitude will be history within the next 5 years & the Government will adopt the methods of the Benelux Country & Russia. That has already been suggested by at least one Conservative MP
, whilst in Opposition.
I would like Hyde Martlet to review their policies and procedures on how to deal with a situation where a leaseholder is at risk from a tenant.
Hydemartlet did have adequate Policies & Procedures in force, when Martlet Homes took Office in 2001. Since then, there's been a constant high turnover of staff, which was noted by the 1st Audit Commission's Inspectors, resulting in a lack of continuity & unacceptable delay in dealing with ASB cases.
Martlet Homes were criticised by the 2nd Audit Commission's Inspectors, for being inconsistent when dealing with External Complaints.
Before Martlet Homes current CEO went on assignment to Hyde HQ in London, it was requested of him that more should be done about Antisocial Behaviour & that there should be more Local Area Housing Offic!ers dealing with it. That was approximately 3 years-ago!
If you feel that Martlet Homes aren't complying with their obligations as Landlords & Managing Agents for Hyde Housing Association owned properties in the South, to enforce The Conditions Of Tenancy, you have recourse to the following:
1) Your local Coucli Antisocial Behaviour Officer
2) Your local Citizens Advice Bureau
3) Your local legal Advice Centre (If you have one)
4) A Solicitor
It's all been like an absolutely massive kick in the teeth for me and all because I'm a leaseholder and not a tenant.
Leaseholders have the same Rights as Tenants re; Antisocial Behaviour.
FWIW, Martlet Homes placed 2 successive Tenants in the Flat above a decent Church-going Leasehold couple known to me. The 1st, a convicted drug dealer who had just come out of prison. The 2nd, a teenager, who played her electric organ at night. The leaseholders had by Law, to declare nuisance neighbours when selling their Leasehold. Consequently, they had to sell at well-below the Market Value.
Your Leasehold maintenance problems are pretty common amongst Martlet Homes Leaseholders.
Good luck
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
edited by colour on 29/01/2011
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
28/01/2011 17:44:35
The Cake Fairy
Posts: 15
|
But that's not what I mean!
The ASB co-ordinator is doing what he is supposed to be doing from a legal point of view!
It's PRACTICAL help people like me need. I would like Hyde Martlet to review their policies and procedures on how to deal with a situation where a leaseholder is at risk from a tenant.
I forgot to mention the tenant in question left her last area under a dark cloud too, so in the nearly 5 years she's now been here, it was inevitable that she was going to be trouble.
It doesn't matter how many letters are sent and how many court cases take place, it still doesn't mean I can feel safe in my own home and due to the financial responsibility, I cant move either.
This was going to be my home for life. Now it's like living in hell.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
28/01/2011 15:11:54
NH04
Posts: 4
|
Dear Cake Fairy
Thank you again for contacting us. I have passed a copy of your message to your local ASB Co-ordinator who will contact you directly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you.
Regards
NICH
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
28/01/2011 14:40:14
The Cake Fairy
Posts: 15
|
Hello Again,
Despite all the issues I have about the repair costs, the Anti-Social behaviour problem is getting worse again too.
Although I said I was being supported by the ASB Co-ordinator, it's not really that that is the issue.
You can take legal action against a tenant who is behaving badly, and that's great but the fact is, it will take a long time. Too long.
In my case, it's been 5 years and all through that time, there have been various warnings and legal wranglings but they don't help me NOW.
This is my main concern. What can you do to keep my family and my property safe NOW? Why am paying/suffering the cost of your irresponsible tenant who you can't keep under control?
I have had no PRACTICAL help at all. If I came to you and said 'what can you do for me today to keep me and my family safe?'. I know the answer would be 'well, there's not really a lot we can do about it'.
You can offer a tenant, who is suffering, a new home (as you've done to all my neighbours as they've been terrorised out of their homes). A lease holder gets nothing. No practical support or compensation towards the suffering of one of your tenants. Yet, you are happy to keep sending me letters asking me to pay for the upkeep of the block of course!!!! Also (not being more important than my children and our safety) but the reason I bought this place was the fact I needed somewhere to live, I knew I'd never get housed by a HA as I don't have any of the criteria to qualify for a place, so I stood on my own two feet and scraped up every penny I could get to get a crippling mortgage to buy an ex-Hyde property only to have the most miserable and frightening 5 years of my life. Of course, I could move but why add financial ruin to the list as well?! I'd lose thousands of pounds in fees etc. That's if I could actually sell the place as the history of problem neighbours would read like a novel.
It's all been like an absolutely massive kick in the teeth for me and all because I'm a leaseholder and not a tenant.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
06/01/2011 09:41:27
NH04
Posts: 4
|
Dear Cake Fairy
Further to our exchange of emails before Christmas, thank you for contacting us by telephone. We were pleased to hear that despite your frustrations with the way repair costs are split between residents within a block, you felt that your ASB concerns were being taken seriously and you felt very supported by us and are satisfied we are doing everything we can to address the ASB. We appreciate your feedback expressing your concerns that you do not believe mixed tenure blocks work for residents financially; this will be passed to the local office.
Thank you again for making contact.
Regards
NICH
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
14/12/2010 13:33:06
NH04
Posts: 4
|
Hi Cake Fairy
We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour and you have some outstanding queries in relation to repair charges.
We would like to be able to assist you further and would urge you to contact us on 0800 389 3598 so we can discuss your situation in more detail and see how we can help.
Thank you
Regards
NICH
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
03/12/2010 14:01:19
The Cake Fairy
Posts: 15
|
Hi Everyone,
I'm new to this site and I have a situation which has arisen again and always gets me worked up!
I have had an ASB problem with a neighbour which has been going on for nearly 5 years.
I've lost 3 lots of neighbours, either giving up their homes or being housed in alternative accomadation due to the fear of this horrible neighbour.
She has been evicted before from other areas, so it hasn't been a surprise that she has kicked off here. We have really suffered.
I am a lease holder which means I own my home but it is in a Hyde owned block. This means that I have to pay towards the upkeep of my property, even though it is organised by Hyde for repairs/improvements to be carried out.
A couple of years ago, some improvements were done and although I told Hyde, I couldn't really pay over £2000, I was told that if I didn't get the work done now, it would be done later and it would cost more. I felt pressured and said I'd pay them back as much as I could every month.
The situation with the neighbour gradually got worse. I gave up my car as I was sick of finding it scratched by her while I was asleep, I had windows smashed, frightening the life out of my children and we can't even use the communal grass at the front as she has driven up on it and ran her car at us.
I also have to have a security camera running 24 hours a day, which costs a fortune as it runs with a recorder, which is like having a PC running constantly. I go out as much as I can. I have to use public transport due to not having the car. We have to eat out. If we stay in, we can hear her constantly screaming and shouting and we can't move freely around the outside area. We have to plan how to get out of our own home.
So, I get a call from Hyde saying I'm not paying enough towards the money I owe. I get a letter telling me that repairs/improvements will be due at the end of the year.
Just how interested do Hyde think I am in paying for repairs/improvements? Home improvements for me are things like sweeping up the glass from my windows which have been smashed and other delights.
I know I will get told, it is part of my contract but I feel that part of Hyde's contract is to keep their anti-social neighbours under control but so far, no luck there.
The situation just doesn't work really. If I was happy and the situation was dealt with, I'd make an effort and probalby have more money to offer but in the current situation, my money is being spent on things to try and make mine and my children's lives safer and a bit more bearable.
|
|
permalink
• reply with quote
|
