Anti-Social Behaviour.

ASB Policy.

Steve Biko Housing Association is committed to developing a culture in which Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) is not tolerated, and which encourages those suffering from any form of ASB to feel comfortable in approaching the Association for assistance.

The Association will ensure that all existing tenants and applicants are made aware that ASB by them, members of their household or invited guests is unacceptable. Tenants will be made aware of the obligations placed upon them by their conditions of tenancy.

The Association views eviction as a last resort and aims to tackle and resolve ASB cases by making full use of the non-legal and legal remedies available, and by working with other statutory and voluntary agencies. However, the use of possession proceedings may be sanctioned if other methods fail to produce a satisfactory resolution.

Reports of ASB will be treated confidentially and action will be taken only after discussion with complainants. The safety and security of witnesses will be a prime consideration and, where appropriate, witnesses will be directed to appropriate support agencies.

Definition.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister defines ASB as “any conduct that is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person and directly or indirectly relates to or affects the housing management function of a relevant landlord. It can also consist of or involve using or threatening to use housing accommodation owned or managed by a relevant landlord for an unlawful purpose.”

“The persons that the conduct may cause nuisance or annoyance to can include anyone who has a right to live in a property owned or managed by the landlord or any person living in any other property within the neighbourhood (e.g. owner-occupiers, tenants of other landlords) and anyone else lawfully in such property or in the locality, for example working or using local facilities.”

Examples of ASB include: 

  • Harassment of residents or passers-by

  • Verbal abuse

  • Criminal damage

  • Vandalism

  • Noise nuisance

  • Writing graffiti

  • Engaging in threatening behaviour in large groups

  • Racial abuse/harassment

  • Assault

  • Joyriding

  • Vehicle crime

Remedies.

The Association will deal with incidents of ASB and may utilise the following methods:

  • Mediation

  • Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

  • Injunctions

  • Anti-Social Behaviour Orders

  • Possession proceedings

In serious cases, the Association will usually work with our legal advisors. Legal proceedings will only be undertaken with the consent of the Association’s Board of Management.

Recording & Monitoring.

Steve Biko Housing Association will record and monitor incidents of ASB in order to:

  • Establish the scale and type of problems

  • Develop effective strategies

  • Target resources