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Housing - Nuisance and Threatening Behaviour
Antisocial behaviour and harassment|
Action against noise nuisance|
Dogs|
Community Wardens|
We provide support and assistance to local residents who are victims of antisocial behaviour, harassment and noise and nuisances. The definitions are set out below.
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Antisocial behaviour is behaviour which harms the quality of life of residents in an area, and causes, or is likely to cause, distress or alarm to anyone not in the same household. It includes threats, drug dealing, theft and vandalism.
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Harassment is the deliberate interference with the peace, comfort or safety of any person. Harassing anyone on grounds of race, colour, religious or other belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, nationality or ethnic origin is a breach of your Tenancy Agreement and it can be a criminal offence. This includes graffiti, damage to property, abuse and threats.
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Noise and Nuisance Tenants must not cause nuisance to their neighbours. Nuisance includes persistent noise which causes distress to others, eg music, dogs, cars, etc.
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Action against Antisocial behaviour and harassment
You should feel safe and secure in your home and community. If you are being affected by antisocial behaviour or harassment, you can also contact the police or get in touch with us. We have a specialist team who can help.
We will advise you on what to do. We need details of the problem, so keep a diary of events.
You can take private action against the person but you will need to contact a solicitor to do this.
Tenants are responsible for the behaviour of the members of their household, including visitors. When you sign your Tenancy Agreement, you agree to behave in a responsible way in and around your home. If a problem arises between neighbouring tenants and involves a breach of the Tenancy Agreement, we can take legal action against the offending tenant.
If the problem is with a private household you should contact the Council's Investigation Team for advice on what you can do. You can also get advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau or a solicitor. They may suggest you contact a mediation service, like North Ayrshire Mediation Service|. These are independent and impartial people who can discuss the issues with you both and help you come to an agreement
Action against noise nuisance
Neighbours
Very often people do not realise they are disturbing others. Noise can penetrate easily between floors and walls in adjoining properties. However, many tenants do not realise how much noise is heard elsewhere in the building. The first step is to try and explain the problem politely to your neighbour. If the situation does not improve, contact us for advice. We will intervene if the situation is not resolved.
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Dogs
The Tenancy Agreement requires tenants to be considerate to neighbours and keep animals under control. If you are troubled by dogs contact the Dog Warden| .
Way to avoid noise nuisance
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Control the volume of sound from radios, stereos, TVs. Do not put these systems against shared walls. Place them on a rubber mat or carpet.
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Keep the noise you make in or near your home, at reasonable levels at all times. Make sure you do housework and decorating at reasonable times of the day.
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If you have a dog, do not leave it barking constantly in the home or out in the garden, and clear up any mess it makes.
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Warn neighbours when you are going to do something particularly noisy: drilling, hammering or having a party.
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Make sure your children think about how their playing habits might affect neighbours.
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Can I be rehoused?
We will not normally re-house you but will try to sort the problem out. However, if there is clear evidence that you or a member of your family are in danger we may be able to help you transfer to another property.
What if I am worried about a neighbour?
If you think a neighbour is having difficulties (for example being harassed) and is in need of help, we may be able to approach them and discuss their needs. We will treat whatever you tell us as confidential.
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What can be done?
We work with other services and agencies, including the Police, to deal with antisocial behaviour.
If we receive a complaint about a neighbour, any member of their household or a visitor, your Area Housing Office will investigate and take action to try and sort out the problem. If this is not possible, they will pass the case to the Councils Antisocial Behaviour Investigation Team| (pdf 304kb). They can take action such as applying for an Antisocial Behaviour Order or an Eviction Order.
Community Wardens
Community Wardens| have an important role to play in deterring crime and antisocial behaviour within neighbourhoods. The Council's Wardens operate in designated areas throughout North Ayrshire.
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