Is 85 too old to move?

I wouldn't think your age should be a barrier as you could get help with the removals but are you sure it wouldn't be preferable to address this antisocial neighbour problem first?

You are speculating that things will get worse but you don't know for sure.
You like where you are. There's no guarantee another flat would be better. A private landlord v a housing association? I would think the HA safer.
Could you begin by telling the HA about the antisocial one.
Then ask citizens advice.
There are always options.

I wouldn’t move, they will probably move before you. Can you get on your council/ local MP. Drugs is everywhere unfortunately- especially now certain people want laws around cannabis relaxed.

If there are noise and anti social behaviours it is likely that the tenant will be evicted at some point, so I would stay put for now. neighbours in a new area could be worse.

Drugs are not delivered by post so i dont see that as relevant, if you know how many packages they receive maybe you are spending too much time watching this person which is only upsetting you more.

Elowen33
Drugs have been delivered by post for years, and it’s even more prevalent now than it was 10 years ago when this article was published.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-34400778

Btw, you can FaceTime the dealer in China.

Whatever you do don’t give up your tenancy!

Before you do the drastic thing and leave - do try the obvious solutions first -

The Housing Association, (with a letter signed by a group of seriously worried tenants, hinting that a mass exodus is on the cards)
Citizens Advice
AgeUK
Police
Your MP, even if you don't like his politics
Local newspaper

Moving out seems extreme as I think there can be financial consequences in finishing these leases.
What are the other resident's views?

Elowen33.
Illegal Drugs have been delivered by post and/or courier for years, so I don’t know where you got that from. I do know this to be a fact as I had to deal with them when I was working and I took early retirement in 2000 after many years’ service.
This can never be stopped and the Police, Border Force and the National Crime Agency can only do so much.
All the while there is a demand, there will be suppliers.

Yes, I know it is hard to make a fuss, you do not need that, but if you have complained to HA with no result, have a word with your local police, who may know him already.

If you feel illegal drugs are being delivered by post, contact you local sorting office or speak to the postman.

If you do feel you have to move, ask your HA to offer you alternatives and take your time

I have had antisocial neighbours and it can't be addressed, there's no dealing with stupidity. Moving is the only answer, I had to do it myself. You're not to old and you'll not find it easy at your age. But if you stay your health will be compromised.......best of luck.

Gather evidence. Record loud music and parcel deliveries and contact the Noise Environmental Officer at the Council. Getting private accommodation is difficult and I heard in some cases landlords want 6 months rent up front. As a pensioner you nay not even meet the earnings requirements. Private is not secure and the landlord can sell up or increase the rent any time. You are better off staying put and getting support from other residents to have this person evicted.

People are advising the poster to move. However what’s to say she’s won’t have the same problem in another house or flat?
The trouble is, you can never guarantee, or have control over, whoever moves in next door.

Talk to Age UK and Citizen's Advice, also your local councillors. You could also try your local tv or radio station.

Kicking up a fuss - with other residents to get this nuisance dealt with is far less effort and less destructive than moving - and there is no gurantee that this kind of problem will not atise in any new place you move to.

You are caught between a rock and a hard place, any solution to this problem is going to be disruptive and difficult, but, in my opinion. dealing with the problem where you are will be less disruptive than moving.

The problem is the anti social tenant so do something about him. Better stay where you are and sort him out along side with the other tenants.

Many housing associations now have properties specifically for older tenants (not just over 55's) and you might find that if you speak to your association they would try to find you a property that suits you better. Private renting is not for the faint hearted as you have far less security of tenure.

Drugs very much are delivered by post! My work is with criminals and a man I know has recently been jailed for receiving drug deliveries by mail. It sounds as if your unpleasant neighbour could well be dealing drugs on some scale. If the police were informed, he would be arrested.

I’m 73 and moved 4 years ago and I should think seriously about moving, it’s very tiring, it took me an awful long time to settle in and start a new circle of friends I wouldn’t do it again, try to get together with neighbours you’ll be able to do more as a group.

Several different friends living in rented have had landlord sell up in the last few years, and their stress of finding somewhere else is indescribable. When they've jumped through all the hoops of getting somewhere else, it's much more expensive and miles away.

I wouldn't risk a private rental - my understanding is you can only get a 12 month tenancy. That doesn't necessarily mean you would have to move, but you might have to - or you might be asked to pay a higher rent each year.

It might be helpful to write to your local MP and explain what is happening. If you have a good MP - and some are - they would hopefully investigate this. As others have said, try to join with other neighbours who might be feeling equally upset by the situation.

As other posters have said, gather as much information as possible and document it - antisocial incidents, late visits, noisy visitors, loud music, etc, etc, and record music if possible.

I hope you can get some help. It must be very upsetting.

85 is not too old to move. But allowing a noisy tenant to drive you from your happy home is no way to live. As others have said - you have NO guarantee that things would be better elsewhere, and moving costs in money and energy.

“Better the devil you know….” Immediately sprang to my mind! Whilst I can understand you find the present situation unpleasant, what on earth makes you think moving is the answer? We none of us know from one day to the next how our living conditions can change and be adversely affected by other people’s behaviour and habits but my advice would be to deal with the problem you are facing as best you can, rather than risk jumping from the frying pan into the fryer!

Get your local Councillor or MP involved. The HA should be addressing the concerns raised by you and others.

Or even the fire!

I would definitely stay put rather than moving to a situation which might turn out to be even worse. With the HA you at least have a landlord that will probably have a code of conduct and can be relied upon to follow rules. I would contact the HA with a list of your complaints and get it signed by any other tenants of the same opinion and give them a chance to sort out the problems.