Moving because of antisocial behaviour ... Should I pay a months rent?

peachespeaches

I have been reporting antisocial behaviour to my housing association since last October. They have warned the perpetrators (no effect). I have continued to report it in diary sheets, involved the council and a local councillor who basically said it was down the the landlord (housing association) to act. The housing association have been powerless to stop it.

Last week an escalation occurred as I was unable to get into my own house. Police were called. Could do nothing, no witnesses. They also said it was up to the landlord to do something. Basically these people are now baiting me to do something ... They had a nice little party outside my front gate until 3.30 am but they had a short wave radio scanner in use so they would know when the police were coming.

Ive had enough and decided to move. I know my tenancy agreement states 4 weeks notice, but it really sticks in my throat to let them have the money for another two weeks after we move out, when we are infact moving because the housing association couldnt do anything.

I have thought of withholding the rent, and writing a letter saying that the landlord breached the terms of the tenancy by not protecting the tenants right to peaceful enjoyment of their own home. But it may not be worth it as I may in future need a tenancy reference and I presume this might blow it.

Any advice?

geordiepaul2001

As far as I am aware you can no longer scan the Police frequencies due to the airwaves set having digital encryption.
If they told you they were, they are pulling your leg

Guy_Montag

I think that would blow any chance of a reference. Having said that I've never been asked for one.

Anyway, I would just give your notice, & start looking. The last time I did that it took two weeks to find somewhere suitable anyway.

However, the notice is probably four weeks from the next rent day, make sure you check that out, or it could be 7 weeks, 6 days if you get it wrong.

Good luck

Benny24

Are you able to video their behaviour? That may well help you. They can't tell when police are on the way anymore. Their sets are all digitally encrypted as Geordie Paul says.

You can either fight it, or not give them the satisfaction and pay up and go.

pickles110564

Look for somewhere else, pay all your rent, get your deposit back then write them a letter explaining the lack of quality of life you have had.
Copy in their Chief exec. and say if they don't compenstate you, you will be going to the press about how much stress they have put you under and how your quality of life has been effected and how they knew about it and did nothing to help the situation.

peachespeaches

Fortunately there is no deposit to get back. I think I will try what you say pickles. After all, if you dont ask you dont get. Ive even had a letter from my doctor about the effect on my health, so Ive got plenty to throw at them.

For the other posters:
Ive already given notice and when I move out there will be 2 weeks more rent of the 4 weeks notice.
Its interesting what you say about the scanner - the sound coming from it was like the short wave radio thing you hear in a taxi cab and they kept saying to each other, switch to channel3 / channel8 ... Can they pick up peoples phone calls? Would they have been using it because I have a cordless phone ? The policewoman that attended said she didnt think they could pick it up, but I know you used to be able to.

I could video their behaviour if I bought the equipment I expect. Ive tried on occasions to take digital stills, but its often difficult. I have recorded the abuse by one of the kids, but that didnt have any effect. I asked my housing association to provide cctv as many others are affected but they wont.

Im just relieved to be going, but mad that its costing me through no fault of my own.

tucbiscuit

what a bad situation, I have had bad neighbours and it can make your life hell

people say 'don't let them win', but by moving you are winning, there's no point trying to stay and see it out as it will just cause you stress

hope all goes well

pickles110564

peachespeaches wrote: »

Its interesting what you say about the scanner - the sound coming from it was like the short wave radio thing you hear in a taxi cab and they kept saying to each other, switch to channel3 / channel8 ...

They could just be on CB radio?
Like the other poster said you are getting out and your health will return, you will also get your satisfaction when you hit them with a letter.
You are the winner keep your head up and look forward to a bright future

DawnW

just a thought, but can't you get a transfer via your HA?

peachespeaches

DawnW wrote: »

just a thought, but can't you get a transfer via your HA?

Well if there were vacant properties yes, but there arent. We tried this months ago. The only properties that come up are either 1 bedroomed flats (no good for a family) or houses in an area that resembles beiruit.