Southern Housing (202227576)

Background

1. The resident reported ASB to the landlord. This related to noise nuisance from dogs barking at a neighbour’s property. She was also concerned that the neighbour was breeding dogs at their property. The landlord investigated the issue. However, the resident remained unhappy with its response due to the impact the issue was having on her household. The landlord has vulnerabilities recorded on its systems for the resident that says she needs a “visual cue.”

What the complaint is about

2. The complaint is about the landlord’s response to the resident’s reports of antisocial behaviour (ASB).

Our decision (determination)

3. After considering the evidence, we have found that the complaint is outside of our jurisdiction. As a result, we have not investigated it.

Summary of reasons

4. When a complaint is brought to the Ombudsman, we must consider all the circumstances of the case as there are sometimes reasons why we will not investigate a complaint. What we can and cannot consider is set out in the Housing Ombudsman Scheme and is called our jurisdiction.
5. In response to the resident’s reports of ASB, the landlord’s evidence shows that it began legal proceedings against the neighbour to try and resolve the issue. The landlord’s records document its progress of the proceedings, which shows delays to the case. However, it has told us that the court case will take place in May 2026. While we have not seen particulars of the claim the resident has confirmed to us the case will take place. We are satisfied by the evidence of both parties that the courts will hear the issue.
6. In line with the Scheme, we cannot investigate complaints which concern matters that are subject to court proceedings.