RE Brian Derbyshire’s letter of March 11.

Bad tenants are not just confined to social landlords (housing associations, etc), as the same problems are also suffered by the private, residential landlord.

Eviction is a long and expensive process — long, because it is important that both social and private landlords act correctly.

There must be a raft of supporting evidence to ensure that nobody is being evicted because of the malice of neighbours.

Evidence is required, from police and police community support officers, statements from the neighbours harassed and intimidated by the anti-social elements.

The difficulty is not in collecting complaints, but in getting sufficient evidence of the behaviour.

Mr Derbyshire feels one warning should be enough. A court is unlikely to evict after one warning. Landlords would generally be expected to interview, write two or three warning letters, interview again; the tenant should be given an opportunity to improve his behaviour.

Private landlords have to serve notice — s.21 guarantees eviction, but is two months’ notice.

Using the anti-social behaviour ground requires no notice period, but can be thrown out if the tenant tells a good enough story.

Then the cost of a court hearing, perhaps more expense for bailiffs if the tenant does not move out.

Harold Lever Chairman, NorthWest Landlords Association