Local authorities and housing associations in Ireland have specific powers to evict anyone who is engaging in anti-social behaviour. This means being involved in drug dealing or any behaviour that might cause danger, injury, damage or fear to people living in the area. This might include violence, threats, intimidation or harassment.
A tenant may him/herself apply for an exclusion order against a member of his/her household who is engaging in anti-social behaviour. However, this may be very difficult for the victim of anti-social behaviour to do.
As an alternative to the tenant taking action, the local authority or housing association can apply to the District Court for an exclusion order against any member of a household who is engaging in anti-social behaviour. The order may exclude that person from a specific house or from an entire estate and it may forbid intimidation or other interference with a tenant or anyone else.
A local authority can refuse to let a dwelling or sell one under the tenant purchase scheme on the grounds of anti-social behaviour.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) may refuse or withdraw rent supplement for a private rented dwelling where the person in question was evicted, excluded or removed from local authority housing on the grounds of anti-social behaviour.
If you are a local authority tenant who is affected by someone's anti-social behaviour, you should contact your local authority. If you are a housing association tenant who is affected by someone's anti-social behaviour, you should contact the housing association.
Contact the Housing Department of your local authority or your housing association.