Lewes District Council

Anti Social Behaviour

We work with our tenants and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour on our housing estates. We have a policy that helps us deal with issues as they arise.

We recognise neighbour disputes, harassment and anti-social behaviour are disruptive. As the landlord we work together with our tenants to tackle anti-social behaviour on our housing estates.

Common complaints often crop up. These include excessive household noise, using and selling drugs, persistent loud music and parties, harassment and intimidation, racial abuse, threats of violence and arguing, shouting and foul language.

We have a policy to tackle anti-social behaviour. Where a person’s or group’s behaviour unreasonably interferes with a tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment of their home or adversely affects the quality of life of a local community, we will have in place procedures to tackle the behaviour, take action against the offenders and support and protect the victims.

We work with other agencies such as the police and other councils. The procedure was developed in partnership with our tenants in 2002. To make sure we’re effective our standards and targets are monitored and evaluated regularly.

Personal approach

It may be a neighbour causing a nuisance. If possible, calmly explain the issues. They may be unaware you are being disturbed. A personal approach can often resolve problems before bad feelings develop further.

The police

Suspicious activity and incidents of crime should be reported to the police. In an emergency dial 999. Less serious cases or non-emergency incidents dial 0845 607 0999. In both instances you should ask for a crime number.

Involving us

Your Area Housing Officer can be informed. Different types of anti-social behaviour require different approaches. We may:

set up a meeting with you
set up a meeting with the person causing you the problem
ask that you keep a diary of events
talk to other agencies
arrange for a sound recording device to be installed to monitor noise

We will keep you informed about any planned action, when it might happen and possible resolutions. Details of any meetings held will be confidential.

Resolution

Where anti-social behaviour occurs, we can offer different solutions to resolve the problem.

A trained mediator can meet with both parties to try and find a compromise. Both parties must be willing to participate. This service is free to tenants and is independent of the council.

In extreme cases, we have powers to confiscate equipment. However, this does not stop someone buying replacement equipment.

An Acceptable Behaviour Contract can be agreed. This type of contract is used particularly where children are concerned between us, the child and their parent.

We can also take action under the Housing Act 1996 to exclude someone from an area or make sure they comply with their tenancy conditions through a court order.

Legal action can be taken with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order which may restrict a person from certain behaviour in certain areas.

In extreme cases we may apply for a Possession Order. Courts do not easily agree to evictions. A Possession Order may be suspended on terms. So every effort has to be made to resolve the matter by negotiation before court action is taken.

If legal action is to be taken complainants may be asked to attend Court to give evidence. We understand that this may be difficult. We offer support to tenants in these situations.

Documents

PDF
PDF Council housing nuisance record sheet (0.03mb)

PDF
PDF Council housing nuisance details form (0.18mb)

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