Anti-social behaviour helper

Summary of the problem

The problems caused by nuisance neighbours can have a serious affect on those living around them. Whether it is verbal abuse, intimidation, rubbish being dumped in your garden or late night noise – you know if you have neighbours from hell.

Who can you report the problem to?

• In the first instance, you could have a word with the people causing the problem – they may not realise the nuisance they are causing. Only do this if you feel safe doing so

• You could try speaking to other neighbours – perhaps they are affected too

• If you and your neighbour are tenants of a social landlord (the council or a housing association), report it to your landlord

• You can also report the problem to your anti-social behaviour team or local neighbourhood policing team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details

• You can also report the problem to the police using the local force non-emergency number. Find your local number here

• If the situation is an emergency (if someone’s life or health is threatened) call 999

If you are unsure what to do or who to speak to, contact your anti-social behaviour team. Use our postcode search to find local contact details. If they are not directly responsible they will be able to help you to find who is.

What can be done to tackle nuisance neighbours?

The anti-social behaviour team, the police and social landlords all have powers to tackle problems caused by nuisance neighbours. Depending on the problem, these include:

• Mediation between the parties involved if both agree

• Warnings to those causing nuisance

• Acceptable behaviour contracts or agreements (ABCs/ABAs) requiring neighbours to stop the nuisance

• Steps to repossess the property if the nuisance is breaking the rules of the tenancy including eviction

• ‘Demoting’ the tenancy to reduce the rights of the tenants to live there, so they can be evicted if their behaviour continues

• Anti-social behaviour injunctions (ASBIs) against the perpetrator forbidding them from causing nuisance

• Anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) used to prohibit the perpetrator from causing nuisance. If ASBOs are used, the terms of the order should usually be made public so that members of the public can report any breaches

• In very serious cases, powers to close properties down (so called ‘Crack House Closures’ or Premises Closures’)

• Noise abatement notices where noise is a problem

• Parenting contracts and orders where children or young people are involved

These are just some of the measures available. Whatever action is taken, you should expect the council or the police to keep you informed.