Social landlords in a village in the North East of England are setting out on a social experiment that could spread across the UK if it proves successful.
Groundbreaking document
Accent Foundation, the main housing provider in former colliery village Horden, near Newcastle, are launching a Good Landlord, Good Neighbour scheme that will require tenants to sign an agreement that will hopefully improve the austere conditions in the village. The agreement is still at the draft stage and local residents have been invited to input their own ideas as to what should be in the document.
All parties will sign
Once agreed, the document will be posted to all the population of the village, whether they are tenants or property investors with an interest in landlord insurance. Michael Fishwick, an employee of Accent, is behind the plan and he is adamant it can work and be the blueprint for other schemes across the country.
Residents asked to play their part
He envisages residents working with landlords and letting agents to drastically reduce anti-social behaviour, a problem that has blighted the village for some time. He wants tenants to know the whereabouts of their children at all times, to put bins out correctly on collection days and to be responsible for their pets and any mess they may make in the streets. He wants them to report anti-social behaviour whenever they see it and to maintain good relations with their neighbours when at all possible.
Landlords promise to maintain high standards
In return he promises that landlords will play their part in the scheme by taking part in monthly visits where they will listen to any complaints tenants may have. He promises landlords will take swift action against anti-social tenants and will undertake to get any maintenance work done in quick fashion. Property insurance will be kept up to date which will ensure money is available when repairs are urgent. He envisages landlords and letting agents supporting local groups within the area and three monthly meetings of all landlords to discuss any problems that arise from the agreement.
Beating anti-social element is the key
Mr Fishwick has already managed to get local residents’ organisations involved and is keen for the scheme to start before the New Year. He believes once anti-social elements are controlled the rest will fall into place. It is a brave idea and one that the silent majority will support. It remains to be seen however, if the villagers can pull it off.