Anti-social behaviour (ASB) frequently asked questions

ASB is legally defined as conduct:

• that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person
• capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation of residential premises, or
• capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.

So, what’s a hate crime/incident?

A hate crime/incident can be any criminal or non-criminal act which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

A hate crime/incident could be an act such as graffiti, vandalism to a property, name calling, assault or online abuse using social media.

A victim doesn't have to be a member of the group at which the hostility is targeted. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime. 

The police can only prosecute when the law is broken, but they can work with Habinteg and other partners to try and prevent any escalation and we’ll work in a supportive manner and approach to seek resolution.

Habinteg accepts that many neighbours will naturally have different values or opinions and sometimes this can cause problems. However, not all reports relating to behaviour that impacts on an individual can be deemed ASB. 

The following are some examples of reports that are not ASB:  

• Noise from children when they’re playing  
• Family disputes  
• Babies crying  
• Smells from cooking  
• Sounds of normal day to day living that we can hear such as opening and closing of doors, going up and down stairs  
• One-off parties such as BBQs, birthday or Christmas parties providing they don’t cause an unacceptable disturbance  
• Clashes of lifestyle, including cultural differences  
• Minor personal differences 
• Putting rubbish out on the wrong day  
• Parking in the wrong bay.

You can fill out our online ASB report form here.

Criminal activity can include:

• Drug related activities
• Assault, including violent or threatening behaviour
• Hate crime
• Criminal damage
• Theft.

If you're in immediate need of assistance, or if a crime is in progress, then phone 999. Call 101 to report something to the police that isn’t an emergency, or report online. If you wish to report crime anonymously then you can report through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online.

If you make a report to the police relating to criminal activity in your neighbourhood, please let Habinteg know that this has happened along with any incident/crime numbers.

We take criminal behaviour in our properties and on our estates very seriously. If you, a member of your household or a visitor to your address are responsible for criminal behaviour, you will be putting your tenancy in jeopardy.

We’ll assist the police with any investigations into criminal activity at any of our properties. If a person you are responsible for is convicted, we may seek legal action to end your tenancy.

Noise nuisance is a common complaint. It can be difficult to manage due to varying tolerance levels and it can be difficult to evidence noise.

If your neighbour is playing loud music, we encourage you to approach them in the first instance (providing that you feel safe to do so) and ask them to turn the volume down as it is disturbing you in your own home. If the noise continues, we may ask that you complete diary sheets to assist us in building a case.

The Council have a duty to investigate if a statutory nuisance exists. If your neighbour is persistently playing music at an excessive level (regardless of the time) then please report this to your local authority’s Environmental Health team.

We expect there to be some tolerance to noise levels between neighbours, particularly for those living in flats.

Noises that are unlikely to be a breach of tenancy (except in exceptional circumstances) include:

• Babies crying
• Toilets flushing
• Washing machines/tumble dryers
• Vacuuming
• Dog barking
• Children playing
• Snoring
• Walking on floorboards.

There are no set times for when music can be played at any particular volume. Noise is measured against reasonableness and the nuisance it causes to others. This can occur at any time of day or night.

Other useful organisations

• ASB Help
• Victim Support
  0808 16 89 111
• Crimestoppers
  0800 555 111
• Gov.uk
• Age UK
  0800 678 1602
• Childline
  0800 1111
• NSPCC
  0808 800 5000
  help@NSPCC.org.uk
• Family Lives
  0808 800 2222
  askus@familylives.org.uk
  WhatsApp on 07441 444125
• RSPCA
  0300 123 4999 (24 hour)

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