Anti-social behaviour

Your neighbours may not be aware that their behaviour is causing you a problem. The best thing to do is to speak to them first, if you think you can do so safely. Remember to remain polite and try not to be angry.

If the situation doesn’t improve, let them know. If the problem doesn’t stop, contact your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator and explain the problem and the steps you have taken so far.

For example, you should keep written notes of incidents and the action you have taken, including the dates and times. Use a diary sheet  to keep a record. This will help us enormously in trying to assist you to deal with the problem.

If you witness any criminal act, you should call the police. If you don’t want a member of staff or the police to call at your house, phone and arrange a different, private meeting place. 

We’ll always work with you if you’re experiencing anti-social behaviour or harassment, but remember we’ll be much more effective with your help.

The level of action we take depends on how severe the problem is.

We can:

• Try to resolve disputes informally and help those involved to resolve their differences
• Arrange mediation if this is appropriate
• Set up an acceptable behaviour agreement
• Take legal action, such as an injunction which ultimately may lead to possession of the property or imprisonment
• Work with other agencies such as the police to institute criminal proceedings.

It’s important to realise that if you don’t provide us with information, witness statements or some form of evidence, it’s very difficult for Habinteg as a landlord to take action.

The easiest way to report anti-social behaviour is by using our online form.

Please remember to include your name and address so that we can identify you for our records. You can report anonymously, however, any action we take may be limited if we are unable to substantiate any allegation made.  If the matter is urgent, please include a contact number.

Or you may want to report an incident/crime directly to the police. You can contact the police by:
Telephoning 999 – EMERGENCIES ONLY
Telephoning 101 – NON EMERGENCIES

Contact your local policing unit online: www.report-it.org.uk/your police force.

You can also download an anti-social behaviour diary sheet below. You can use it to keep a detailed record of the nuisance and harassment you are experiencing, including the type of incidents and when they occur. This evidence can be helpful for us to resolve the situation.

If you don't want to report a hate crime/incident to Habinteg or the police, you may wish to consider reporting it to a third party reporting centre, such as your local authority or Citizens Advice. They can report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support.

Report-it.org.uk also has a list of organisations that may be able to help you.

Do:

• Think about neighbours when you are doing something noisy and let them know first
• Turn TV or music down if you neighbour asks you to — remember that noise travels through walls and floors
• Be tolerant when neighbours and their children are engaged in the ordinary activities of daily living
• Let your neighbours know if you’re planning a party
• Remember that you’re responsible for the behaviour of your children, family, pets and visitors.

Don’t:

• Play music so loud that it can be heard outside your home
• Carry out noisy work in your home or on your car in the early hours of the morning or at night
• Hold frequent late-night parties
• Drink alcohol outside the front of your property or in communal or shared areas such as gardens, corridors or walkways
• Sound car horns, rev engines or slam doors
• Use abusive or violent behaviour
• Harass anybody, racially, sexually or in any other discriminatory way.

You can find out more information in our anti-social behaviour guide below.

This guide covers:

• Responding to nuisance and harassment
• What is and is not anti-social behaviour
• Avoiding anti-social behaviour
• How to tackle anti-social behaviour
• What we will do when you report anti-social behaviour.

You can also read our ASB frequently asked questions.

We also have a Reasonable Behaviour Policy 2023i.pdf [361KB], which sets out the behaviour we expect from our tenants, their household members and their visitors, towards our staff and contractors. It includes our stance on:

• Zero tolerance
• Anti-social behaviour
• Unreasonable demands
• Formal actions we will take. 

Racism: Prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards people because of their actual or perceived race, colour or ethnic origin. “A racist incident is any incident which is perceived to be racist by the victim or any other person.” (Stephen Lawrence Inquiry)

Homophobia: Prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards a person because of their actual or perceived sexuality (lesbian, gay or bisexual).

Transphobia: Prejudice, discrimination, or hatred towards members of the trans community (those who are transgender, transvestite, or transsexual).

Religious hatred: Prejudice, discrimination or hatred towards people because of their actual or perceived faith or religious belief.

Disability hatred: Any incident that appears to be motivated by a person’s prejudice, discrimination or hate towards someone because of their actual or perceived disability, for instance targeting someone because they are visually impaired, have a learning disability, a mental health condition or they are physically disabled.

Marital or civil prejudice: Discrimination or hatred towards someone because of their marital or civil partnership status, for instance targeting a same sex couple who are in civil partnership.

Discrimination by prejudice: Discrimination or hatred towards a person because of their association with someone who actually or is perceived to belong to one of the above groups.

Victim Support
A national charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales.
08 08 16 89 111

Crimestoppers
An anonymous free phoneline where you can report any criminal activity that you’re aware of in your community, in complete confidence.
0800 555 111

Stop Hate UK
Provides 24 hour independent support to people who have been affected by Hate Crime.
Email: talk@stophateuk.org
By phone 0800 1381625 or text 07717 989025

Galop
Works to prevent and challenge homophobic, transphobic hate crime.
0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk

Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential, non-judgemental, emotional support 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

For information and support on domestic abuse, see our domestic abuse page.