LNEH non compliance of tenancy rules

[simonmcl]

I have raised a problem with Leeds North East Homes, the ALMO for Leeds City Council. For 18 months they had had a property 'let out' to a tenant but for the last 18 months no one has lived in it. Neighbours have reported this to LNEH which resulted in investigations and each of these investgations state that 'they are happy that the tenant is in situ and no breach of the tenancy agreement has been noted' We dont know who they have been investigating but pictures sent to them over the 18 month period clearly show no people living in the property. There are never any lights on during the night and no activity at the house during the day.

The one thing we have all noticed is that 2 days after reporting this matter to LNEH, a flurry of activity occurs at the house for a few days and then goes back to being left empty. even in this flurry of activity no one actually lives in the house. This has led to speculation that the house is held ny a relative ofthe housing staff, otherwise how would they know to go back to the property to 'do work' when they are being investigated?

The tenancy agreement with LNEH clearly states that if the house is left unoccupied for more than 28 days then the tenancy if forfeit. It also states that the tenancy must be your main and only home. This is clearly nothte case with this house...

Any suggestions as to how people who really need this house can get and end to this fiasco and put a really needy person in this house? Why do social landlords think they are above the rules and regulatiosn?

[cheddar]

Thats really odd why not contact your local MP, also if there is a possibility of the tenant claiming Housing Benefit they should also have that cancelled and they can do their own checks on the property, make visits, monitor the house etc give them a ring too!

[simonmcl]

I have mentioned it to the MP and his reply was rather non committal. Let the housing office investigate and when they have replied to you let me know... seems to forget that they have 'investigated' this matter on several occasions but never actually visited the property. Seems that no one wants to know about this, not even the local press..

[cheddar]

Well best thing to do is ask for a meeting with your MP to discuss this, they are obliged to do so.

[simonmcl]

I have done cheddar and all I get is that I will have to await the outcome of their investigations. StillI am gathering more evidence to prove that no one lives there..