The Department of Housing has a responsibility to provide housing for society’s most vulnerable.
While the majority of public housing tenants are considerate neighbours and respect the community in which they live, the behaviour of a small number of tenants can disturb the peace
and safety of the neighbourhood.
The Department of Housing views this as a serious matter. If disruptive behaviour is not dealt with quickly it will lead to increased tension and conflict within our communities.
The Western Australian Government has introduced a new Disruptive Behaviour Management Strategy to address public concern about disruptive behaviour in public housing. Under this strategy, the Department of Housing is taking stronger action for repeated instances of disruption, including evicting tenants who disregard intervention efforts and formal warnings.
Reporting complaints
The Department has streamlined the way it manages complaints and has put in place several measures to make it easier for people to raise concerns about disruptive tenants.
The Disruptive Behaviour Reporting Line can be reached to report instances of disruptive behaviour on
1300 597 076.
An online complaints form is also available.
To report or request police assistance or attendance call 131 444. If urgent police assistance is required in an emergency or life-threatening situation call 000.
If there is a breach of local government by-laws, contact your local shire or council.
Complaints made about the disruptive behaviour of our tenants, other members of the household or visitors to the property will be thoroughly investigated by an officer from the local Department of Housing office or the Disruptive Behaviour Unit.
Throughout the conduct of the investigation the confidentiality of the complainant and tenant will be maintained.
What is disruptive behaviour?
The Department of Housing has defined three levels of disruptive behaviour and will respond in a fair and reasonable manner to all complaints. Once the complaint is received the Department will investigate the disruptive behaviour and when the complaint has been proven the Department will take the appropriate action against the tenant.
Dangerous Behaviour
Dangerous behaviour is characterised by activities that pose a demonstrable risk to the safety or security of residents or property; or have resulted in injury to neighbouring residents and subsequent Police charges or conviction.
Response:
Immediate legal action will be taken to terminate the tenancy. The Department will seek an urgent court hearing under Section 73 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (or other relevant section).
Serious Disruptive Behaviour
Serious disruptive behaviour is defined as activities that intentionally or recklessly cause disturbance to neighbours, or which could reasonably be expected to cause concern for the safety or security of a neighbour or their property.
Response:
A strike as a first and final warning of eviction will be issued following one proven incident. Legal action to terminate the tenancy will proceed if one subsequent incident (of similar severity) occurs within a period of 12 months.
Minor Disruptive Behaviour
Minor disruptive behaviour is defined as activities that could reasonably be expected to occur on occasion in an ordinary suburban household, but which cause a nuisance to neighbours.
Response:
A strike will be issued for each proven incident. Legal action to terminate the tenancy will proceed if three strikes are issued within a period of 12 months.
Legal Proceedings
The Department of Housing is applying the strategy within current provisions of the
Residential Tenancies Act 1987. If a tenant fails to vacate a property following receipt of an eviction notice the Department will seek a Court Order from the Magistrates Court and initiate a Bailiff eviction.
Our response to disruptive behaviour incorporates the right balance between giving our tenants a fair go and protecting the community from unreasonable disturbance.