The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: We will not investigate this complaint about the management and tenancy of property owned by a social housing landlord. We have no jurisdiction to investigate complaints about the management of housing by social housing landlords.
The complaint
Mr and Mrs X complained about the allocation of a neighbouring social housing property to a family whom they understand has had previous complaints history. They say that they have had previous problems with neighbours housed by the organisation and that they do not wisht to have suffer further anti-social behaviour.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate complaints about the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider. (Local Government Act 1974, paragraph 5A schedule 5, as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I considered information provided by the complainant.
I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.
My assessment
Mr and Mrs X say there has been a history of tenants with social problems being housed in the properties nearby. They own their home and do not want further anti-social tenants being housed next to them after having to complain to the housing landlord in the past. They understood the landlord would stop doing this but have heard that another family with a history of behaviour issues will be housed next door.
Since 2013 we have had no jurisdiction to investigate complaints about tenancy management by social housing landlords. the social housing landlord to whom Mr and Mrs X has complained is responsible for the tenanted property. It allocates housing according to housing needs and third parties are unable to have input into the allocations process.
If there are any future issues concerning the management of the neighbouring tenancy, they will need to use the landlord’s complaint procedures.
Final decision
We will not investigate this complaint about the management and tenancy of property owned by a social housing landlord. We have no jurisdiction to investigate complaints about the management of housing by social housing landlords.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman