Landlords warned over problem tenants

A Midland council has warned landlords and tenants in the Cannock Chase area to be careful about who they let stay in their properties after receiving reports of nuisance being caused by former council tenants.

Some of the nuisance behaviour that has led to the recent warnings was caused by former council tenants who have been evicted from their properties.

Councillor Phil Freeman, Cannock Chase Council's housing leader, said: "People who have been evicted from council properties often turn to friends for help.

"Unfortunately, the behaviour that caused them to be evicted very often goes with them.

"The danger for tenants who take them in is that they are responsible for the actions of people living with them - and they could face eviction if nuisance behaviour takes place.

"The most vulnerable seem to be young female tenants, who are asked to put up a friend's friend and eventually find two or three people they don't even know sleeping on their floor.

"Also vulnerable are tenants who may have physical or learning disabilities.

"If neighbours become aware that lodgers are taking over a property, they should contact the housing department on 01543 462621."

More advice and information for tenants and landlords is available by visitng www.letlink.co.uk or www.tenancyagreementservice.co.uk.