Following persistent complaints from residents about anti-social behaviour and suspected subletting, Barking and Dagenham Council have been able to recover a 3-bed property which will now be offered to a family on the housing waiting list.

Following concerns raised by the Police after they attended the property, council officers looked into the concerns, and it became apparent the property was being sublet.

Officers worked closely with the named tenant to resolve the issue, explaining the action that was going to be taken to recover the property. The tenant decided to voluntarily hand back the keys which ultimately saved a lot of time and money taking the matter through the courts.

The council will instigate legal proceedings wherever necessary but by working closely with the tenant was able to provide a quicker and less complicated route to dealing with the matter. This also supported residents within the community as recovering the property, without the lengthy delays of the court process, immediately dealt with the anti-social behaviour issues that had blighted the area.

Cllr Siama Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, said: “We expect all council tenants to be respectful and considerate neighbours, and will not tolerate anti-social behaviour.

“I hope this case sends an important message, and reassured residents that we do take their concerns and complaints seriously and act upon them wherever we can.

“I would like to thank the officers who have worked so hard to get this outcome and I hope the new family who move in will enjoy the property.”