Anti-social behaviour

What should I do as a bpha resident?

If you are experiencing problems with anti-social behaviour from your neighbour, you could try speaking to them, if you feel it is appropriate to do so.  It’s likely that your neighbour would prefer that you speak to them first before contacting us, as they may not be aware they are causing a problem to you.

We would like all of our residents to feel empowered and able to resolve disputes themselves and we will support you to do this, as well as guiding you to other agencies that can help.

How we can help?

There are two approaches we can take to help:

• Using non-legal solutions: advising people their behaviour is unacceptable and must stop, issuing direct warnings, acceptable behaviour agreements, referral to mediation or other support services
• Using legal remedies such as: civil injunctions or possession proceedings.

Tenancy and lease agreements set out expectations about the behaviour of customers. We can take action against people who do not comply, and have the right to seek to eviction in serious cases.

If we decide to take legal action, you might be asked to help by giving evidence to us, or to attend a court to give evidence in person. We will support you through this process. Alternatively, we may use a professional witness to provide evidence in court on your behalf.

We can seek civil injunctions through the courts to stop people engaging in acts of anti-social behaviour in a specific location. Some injunctions can be given without notice, but they are only available if there has been a threat or use of violence.

Possession proceedings: In more serious cases, we may be able to evict the perpetrator of anti-social behaviour through the courts, however, this action as a last resort only, where all other reasonable steps to stop the behaviour have failed.

Police support

The police are a key partner for social landlords and local authorities in tackling antisocial behaviour. They can act as a highly visible deterrent to perpetrators and  can provide reassurance to the community. The police’s core responsibilities include protecting life and property, preserving order, preventing the committing of offences, and bringing offenders to justice. The police may need to work with social landlords and local authorities to:

• arrest perpetrators
• prevent and deter incidents from taking place support victims
• protect people from the impact of anti-social behaviour

Other support

As well as contacting us, your local authority or the police, you may prefer to contact an independent advice agency such as Citizens Advice or  ASB Help. They offer free, independent, and impartial advice.

With your permission, they can approach the agencies you have been dealing with as an advocate, on your behalf. You may also want to contact a solicitor for legal advice. Please note, you may have to pay for any advice and help that you are given by a solicitor.