WIREDGOV

New legislation to tackle problems with 'party flats' let out for stag and hen parties moved a step closer today.

Regulations amending the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 have been laid in the Scottish Parliament. The regulations are expected to become law by late March.

Local authorities will be able to issue Antisocial Behaviour notices to owners of party flats, and bring a case to court with the prospect of a successful verdict.

If initial engagement with the landlord fails, the plan is to give local authorities more power to apply conditions, these could include:

• Limit the number of people who can be in a party flat at any one time
• Require some form of on-site supervision, or at least a person to whom complaints can be directed, and who is able to address them
• Require improvements to the security of premises

Housing and Communities Minster Alex Neil said:

"Antisocial behaviour linked to a party flat can be hugely disruptive to residents. That is unacceptable.

"When it does occur it can cause misery for many people. That is why this Government has decided to introduce a change in the law that will increase powers available to councils to deal with the problem."

Councillor Paul Edie, Chair of the Edinburgh Community Safety Partnership, said:

"The Council has made significant progress in tackling antisocial behaviour and I welcome the introduction of powers which will hold landlords of 'Party Flats' accountable for Antisocial behaviour caused by their clients.

"The Council supports this order introduced by the Scottish Government. Residents of the City are entitled to live without the fear and nuisance caused by antisocial behaviour."

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