Abstract

One of the most difficult issues facing housing authorities is its potential liability to third parties for what is commonly referred to as the "antisocial behaviour" of its local authority tenants, or those living in accommodation under licence from the local authority. The term is now defined by s.1 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 as drug-related activity andlor: . . . any behaviour which causes or is likely to cause any significant or persistent danger, injury, damage, loss or fear to any person living working or otherwise lawfully in or in the vicinity of a house provided by a housing authority.. .and.. .includes violence, threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment or serious obstruction of any person.