UNRULY Homeswest tenants are being warned to clean up their act or face being evicted as authorities crack down on bad behaviour.
The caution comes as a North Beach family was evicted from a Homeswest property earlier this month after constant antisocial behaviour and complaints from horrified neighbours.
Carine MLA Tony Krsticevic, who combined with police and the Department of Housing and Works to have the tenants removed, said the decision came after months of outcry from nearby residents in Cromer Way.
“Neighbours came to me because these residents were basically terrorising the street,” he said.
“There were people out on the road at all hours of the day and night, making noise, throwing projectiles into neighbours’ yards and yelling at others,” he said.
“One resident got the fright of her life in her own home after one of the troublemakers walked through the unlocked door, into the kitchen, and said she wanted to use the phone.”
He said the decision sent a clear message to tenants that they would be held accountable for unacceptable behaviour.
“There are over 21,000 people on the waiting list for Homeswest properties, so tenants who don’t value what they’ve got need to be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
“If residents are not doing the right thing, there are plenty of people ready to take their place who will appreciate what they’ve got and respect their neighbours.”
The North Beach property qualifies for the State Government’s policy of high value housing, meaning it will be sold to use the money to create several more Homeswest properties in another area.
Department of Housing spokesman Greg Cash said the department would continue to take a hard line with tenants who abused the privilege of Homeswest occupancy.
“The Department acknowledges that the community should not have to put up with ongoing disruptive and antisocial behaviour caused by public housing tenants,” he said.
“Efforts are made to assist tenants to address their difficulties when problems arise, but if tenants do not take responsibility for changing their unacceptable behaviour, ultimately eviction action may need to be taken.”