Summary: We will not investigate Mr X’s complaint about the Council’s management of its tenants. This is because the complaint does not meet the tests in our Assessment Code on how we decide which complaints to investigate. We have no remit to consider complaints about the management of social housing.

The complaint

1. In summary, Mr X is a private landlord complaining about anti-social behaviour and damage from the Council’s tenants who live next door to his property.
2. Mr X would like the Council to restore his fence and boundary or pay him for the costs of the works. He would also like the Council to monitor its tenant more closely.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. We provide a free service but must use public money carefully. We do not start an investigation if we decide the tests set out in our Assessment Code are not met. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)
4. We cannot investigate complaints about the provision or management of social housing by a council acting as a registered social housing provider. (Local Government Act 1974, paragraph 5A schedule 5, as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by Miss X and the Assessment Code.

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My assessment

6. We cannot investigate this complaint. This is because we have no remit to investigate matters in connection with the management of social housing.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because it does not meet the tests on how we decide which complaints to investigate. It lies outside our jurisdiction.

Investigator’s decision on behalf of the Ombudsman

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman