A nuisance tenant who terrorised his neighbours, making their lives a misery with his persistent noise and anti-social behaviour, has been barred from his home by a court ruling.
Croydon Magistrates granted a three-month Premises Closure Order (PCO) for Flat 5, Frederick Court, 139 Portland Road, after hearing a catalogue of complaints about tenant Joel Edwards. The Order means no-one is allowed inside the property for the duration.
Mr Edwards would have large numbers of visitors coming and going at all hours of the day and night, drinking alcohol and using illegal drugs, the court heard. Neighbours were subjected to the noise of them fighting, shouting and swearing.
Complaints about anti-social behaviour at the flat dated back several years, with a significant increase from summer 2017. But more recently, a serious physical assault had taken place just outside, with the victim requiring hospital admission.
At the hearing on Weds 14 March, residents, his landlord, the council’s anti-social behaviour officers, the landlord Croydon Churches Housing Association and Woodside local police all presented evidence in favour of the application.
Residents complained of feeling unsafe in their properties and the behaviour of the tenant and his visitors having a severe negative impact on their lives.
The court heard that Mr Edwards had been written to on numerous occasions and was also served with a Notice of Seeking Possession by his landlord. However, none of these warnings had any effect and his behaviour remained unchanged.
Mr Edwards did not defend the application in court.
After the PCO was granted residents of Frederick Court expressed their relief and gratitude. The landlord is now pursuing possession of the property through the County Court.
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice
“Everyone has a right to feel safe and enjoy peace in their own homes. Residents of Frederick Court were being denied this by Mr Edward’s persistently inconsiderate and anti-social behaviour and this was having a serious impact on their quality of life.
“Despite several warnings and opportunities to change his ways, he appeared unable or unwilling to altr his behaviour. In such instances, we will always back our residents and use our powers to prosecute tenants who act with such blatant disregard for their neighbours. I’m pleased the court has granted our application and I hope this serves as a deterrent to others.”
