What is anti-social behaviour?
You are responsible for your behaviour at all times, in your home and your neighbourhood. You are also responsible for the behaviour of your family, other people living in your home and anyone visiting your home. You are breaking your tenancy conditions if you cause a nuisance to your neighbours, or other people living in your neighbourhood. We ask you not to cause any kind of nuisance to others and to let us know if someone in your neighbourhood is causing a nuisance. We aim to prevent anti-social behaviour and we rely on you to help us.
What is anti-social behaviour?
The range of problems that cause nuisance and disputes are often collectively called ‘anti-social behaviour’. The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 defines anti-social behaviour as any conduct to which sections 153A (1) and 153B (2) of the Housing Act 1996 Act apply. These sections apply to conduct which:
- is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person; and directly or indirectly relates to or affects the housing management functions of a relevant landlord; or
- consists of or involves using or threatening to use housing accommodation owned or managed by a relevant landlord for an unlawful purpose.
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was introduced to streamline the existing tools and powers available to deal with anti-social behaviour. Home Office guidance says that:
Anti-social behaviour is a broad term used to describe the day-to-day incidents of crime, nuisance and disorder that make many people’s lives a misery – from litter and vandalism, to public drunkenness or aggressive dogs, to noisy or abusive neighbours. Such a wide range of behaviours means that responsibility for dealing with anti-social behaviour is shared between a number of agencies, particularly the police, councils and social landlords.
Examples
- Drug or substance misuse and dealing
- Alcohol-related behaviour
- Begging
- Noise nuisance
- Rowdy behaviour
- Uncontrolled animals or dangerous dogs (according to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991)
- Acts directed at people (harassment, intimidation, abuse, threats, phone calls, hate incidents)
- Physical violence (other than violence related to domestic abuse, see below)
- Hate related antisocial behaviour
- Other nuisance behaviour
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is often covered under policies on anti-social behaviour, but we choose to deal with it as a completely separate issue. Domestic Abuse is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It often has consequences for the housing situation of those affected. Victims and survivors will frequently turn to their landlords for help. We have clear guidance on how to report domestic abuse and how we deal with it in our section on Domestic abuse.
Anti-social behaviour can threaten the physical or mental health, safety or security of individuals, groups and communities and, as a result, undermines people’s human rights.
Derby Homes can help you if you have a problem with your neighbours, are suffering from anti-social behaviour or more serious issues such as hate crime incidents. We will respond to all reports of anti-social behaviour within five working days and we will respond to emergencies on the same day.