Alternative Service In ASB Proceedings: Practical Considerations For Social Housing Providers

Personal service has always been a challenge for social housing providers. In anti-social behaviour injunctions and committal proceedings, defendants may stop engaging, avoid answering the door, move between addresses, or simply refuse to accept service.

As a result, we are increasingly asked: “We probably won’t be able to serve on this one. Can we ask for alternative service?”

Often, the answer is not yet.

Before considering a CPR 6.15 application, social landlords should ensure they have exhausted all reasonable avenues for service and can evidence why the proposed alternative method is likely to bring the proceedings to the defendant’s attention. It is therefore useful to understand what the court is likely to expect, the practical steps that should be taken before an application is made and the considerations that can significantly improve the prospects of success.