Let's get the facts right on landlords

Is the Chief Inspector not aware that the residents' complaints are about drug dealing, prostitution, violence and anti-social behaviour? There have been very few complaints about the conduct of landlords, or indeed about the standard of the tenanted properties.

All of the houses in multiple occupation that are currently occupied have been registered by the local authority as being up to an acceptable standard. The landlords have also been vetted as being fit and proper managers of these properties.

Neither does the Chief Inspector appear to be aware that the multi-agency approach he suggests has already been set up. Two of his officers regularly attend meetings, as do landlord representatives, local authority officers, and St Vincent's Housing Association.

The truth of the matter is that the malaise affecting the Haulgh is a social problem fuelled by a drug culture endemic in most large towns and cities. Prostitution and violence are by-products of drug abuse. Better housing will not alter the behaviour of these people, indeed the drug addict is incapable of helping him/herself.

A multi-agency approach by a dedicated team with the resolve to succeed may be the answer. Certainly the "talking shop" variety has failed miserably.

To suggest that landlords are rogues who exploit their tenants is simplistic and unhelpful. Indeed it seems to me that landlords who survive both economically and physically in what is the Haulgh today should be admired.

The North West Landlords Association will support any initiative to resolve these problems as we have done in the past. However, the maintenance of law and order in the area is a police matter. I have no doubt that if there were any tangible evidence of law breaking by landlords that the police would take quick and robust action.

J P O'Donnell, Chairman

North West Landlords

Association, Bolton