Landlord evicts tenant who set fire to his own home

Published by Julien Tremblin for 24dash.com in Housing

A social tenant who set fire to his own home is facing eviction and will be asked to repay the damages caused, a court has ruled.

Stockport Homes - an ALMO that manages nearly 12,000 homes - has taken him to court for intentionally setting fire to the home, causing £14,000 to £18,000 worth of damage and endangering the lives of other residents living in the block.

At a hearing held at Manchester County Court last month, the tenant of Swimburne Green, Reddish was found guilty of arson and potential to endangering the lives of others.

Possession was granted and the judge also agreed that the tenant responsible be charged for the damage caused to the property and block.

Adele Keating, Local Housing Manager for Stockport Homes, said: “Stockport Homes have a zero tolerance policy for tenants that damage Stockport Homes’ property.

"This sends out a clear message that reckless actions have severe consequences.”

Recently, a 31-year-old social tenant has lost his home near Sheffield after he was convicted of stealing his neighbour's boiler.