Good social landlords recognise residents' concerns
Tenants want landlords to deliver good services consistently. A strong approach to dealing with anti-social behaviour (ASB) is particularly important.
Residents' associations often form as a response to specific local issues such as high levels of ASB. This can then lead to greater political and social engagement.
Social landlords' approaches to dealing with ASB can vary significantly; the best have good policies and procedures and always use them well.
Good landlords demonstrate their successes
They publicise their services for tackling ASB, and they publicise their successes.
They work with other agencies to deal with ASB, and they demonstrate the value for money or effectiveness of their work.
They have information on tenant satisfaction, and understand the causes of low levels of satisfaction.
Good landlords recognise that prevention is cost-effective and cheaper than enforcement action.
Funding arrangements for youth sport and diversionary activities are often inefficient. Good organisations find ways to deal with unreliable short-term funding that is expensive to administer.
Effective landlords understand neighbourhood concerns
People's perception of their neighbourhood's safety is not always related to the actual incidence of crime. Daily experience of ASB in their immediate neighbourhood, on their street or estate, or their perception of what is happening locally, shapes their view.
Good landlords also recognise that tenancy and benefit fraud is also an important issue for residents who want assurance of appropriate action.
Decisions on local projects need to involve all relevant partners.
Audit Commission resources
Audit Commission reports and other resources can help councils and housing associations assess and improve their arrangements for tacking anti-social behaviour.
Other reports that are also relevant include: