Housing tenants - advice on antisocial behaviour

Step-by-step guide to solving neighbourhood issues

It's important to build and maintain relationships with those living near you. This creates a pleasant neighbourhood, below are some tips on how to build relationships with neighbours. We know disputes happen too. We also have advice on how to handle problems to avoid these getting out of hand.

Dealing with disputes

With all this in mind, neighbour disputes are not uncommon and do happen from time to time.

The best way to address minor problems and nuisances are to deal with these yourself. Your neighbour may be unaware they are causing a problem. They may be reacting to an action you are unaware you are doing.

If you approach them calmly to discuss what your concerns are, they may understand. This is better than letting things build up, arguing or writing angry letters.

Better communication means we can build friendships, lasting bonds and strong communities in our estates.

Before you approach them

Here are some tips about preparing to speak to a neighbour:

  • Be well prepared, think about what you want to say
  • Keep the message simple and straightforward to avoid any misunderstanding
  • Stick to the point and try not to get diverted onto other subjects
  • Plan what kind of solution you would like from the discussion and make that clear.
  • Listen to the other party
  • Be willing to be flexible
  • Choose a good moment – both for you and your neighbour
  • Choose a time when you are not feeling angry
  • Try talking to another person first and get feedback e.g. a friend or acquaintance to rehearse what you plan to say
  • Think about which adult in their household you would prefer to speak to
  • If children are causing the problem, don’t talk to them, speak to the parents/carers
  • Acknowledge individual household differences.
  • Think about your effects on others, possibly explain their effects on you.
  • Take advantage of community gatherings.

Useful tips during the discussion

Here are some useful tips to consider during the discussion:

  • stay calm and friendly
  • explain the problem and how your life is being affected by the other person’s behaviour
  • give your neighbour the chance to reply and explain their side
  • try not to interrupt the other person when they are talking
  • don’t try and shout your neighbour down or become abusive
  • don’t make it a personal attack on the other person’s character
  • stick to the current problem – try not to drag up a whole catalogue of complaints from the past
  • always suggest a solution if you believe there is one and be flexible where possible
  • if discussion leads to an argument, it is best to leave at that point
  • if you feel concerned about aggressive or threatening behaviour, politely end the discussion

How to be a good neighbour

It is good for our community if people can get on with one another.

We know that everyone is different and that your neighbours may not live their lives the way you do.

But it is better for everyone is we are all respectful, tolerant and considerate.

Remember – anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a serious issue and if you do commit it then you could end up in court.

Noise

Be aware of the noise you are making and consider if it might be affecting those who live around you. Keep your music and TV at a reasonable sound level particularly at night or if you have windows open.

Be aware

Some people are vulnerable or have needs which may need you to have tolerance and understanding.

Consider the time

You might think that using your washing machine at 3am is OK but your neighbour might not. Night-time is after 11pm and before 7am.

Dogs and pets

You must have permission to keep a pet. If you keep a pet, then be a responsible owner. Clean up if they foul in a public space and make sure that they don’t whine or bark for long periods of time.

Children playing

Children need to play, and you should expect them to make some noise.

But make sure that they respect other people and their property.

Ball games

Do not play ball games where they can cause nuisance or damage.

Rubbish and litter

Please dispose of your rubbish.

Bulky waste

We can help you dispose of large items such as furniture or fridges. This is a paid-for service. Check advice on our bulky waste pages as you may be able to give bulky items away.

Bonfires

Choose the best time and weather conditions to cause the least inconvenience possible. Look at taking rubbish to the nearest tidy tip instead.

Barbecues and parties

Let neighbours know if you are having a party – you could even invite them!

Try and keep the noise down after 11pm. If you are having a BBQ don’t put it on a balcony or next to buildings or fences.

Don’t make them a regular event – this is classed as ‘persistent behaviour”.

More information is available on our Housing tenants - anti-social behaviour advice page.

Housing tenants - anti-social behaviour advice

Advice for non-housing tenants

If you are NOT a council tenant, then please contact your landlord in the first instance if you need advice.

If you are an owner-occupier and have a nuisance problem with a council tenant, then please refer to the anti-social behaviour toolkit.

If the tenant is not in a council property you need to contact the landlord e.g. Housing Association or the owner of the property.

Mediation - support when you cannot resolve a dispute

We offer a mediation service when you cannot resolve a dispute.

A trained independent person can help you to sort out your differences.

We use mediation to encourage communication between everyone involved. The aim is to reach a solution agreed by both sides. If you are reluctant to meet face to face, we can discuss the option of the mediator acting as a go-between for you.

If the ASB problem is ongoing, we may need to involve other organisations too, such as:

  • police
  • health
  • Housing Associations

This could mean working together to try and sort the problem with a joint action plan.

Community Trigger

If the problem is still not resolved, please view our Community Safety pages.