Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and Neighbour Disputes

We take reports of antisocial behaviour seriously and we are committed to acting quickly and appropriately. Below you will find:

·      What antisocial behaviour is

·      What you can do if affected

·      How Bield will respond

·      The actions we may take

What is antisocial behaviour?

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004, antisocial behaviour is where a person:

·      Acts in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause alarm or distress, or

·      Pursues a course of conduct that causes, or is likely to cause alarm or distress to at least one person who is not in the same household.

We categorise antisocial behaviour into three levels:

What is not antisocial behaviour?

Bield cannot intervene in every instance where something may be distressing or inconvenient. The following are not normally considered antisocial behaviour

·    Reasonable noise from children playing

·    Personal disputes between tenants or within families

·    People coming and going, unless their behaviour is disruptive

·    Being stared at or feeling uncomfortable (without other behaviour)

·    Parking issues – spaces are unallocated and first come, first served

·    Everyday domestic noise, such as:

o    Footsteps or walking

o    Toilets flushing

o    Conversations through walls

o    Household activity such as vacuuming or reasonable TV/music levels

o    Banging internal doors

While these may cause frustration, they are not breaches of tenancy. We may speak to tenants to raise awareness, but formal action is unlikely unless part of a broader pattern of behaviour. 

What you can do if affected

If you are experiencing persistent issues

·      Talk to your neighbour if safe and appropriate – they may not realise the impact of their behaviour. However, be mindful that there may be underlying support needs, cognitive impairment or behaviour issues you are not aware of

·      Speak to your Local Manager or Area Housing Manager

·      Record what’s happening – keep a diary of dates, times, and what occurred

·      Collect evidence if safe to do so (photos, recordings)

·      Report criminal behaviour to the police - for example drug use, assault, or hate incidents

Ask yourself:

Is this affecting your sleep, wellbeing, or health?

Is this happening frequently?

Is the situation escalating?

How to report antisocial behaviour

You can speak to your Local Manager or Area Housing Manager in confidence. We will:

·      Listen to your concerns

·      Provide advice and support

·      Explain what actions we can take

·      Keep your identity confidential

For serious or threatening issues, always contact the police first, then notify your Local Manager or Area Housing Manager.

How we respond and categorise reports of ASB?

We aim to resolve cases as soon as possible, but our response will depend on the severity of the complaint.

 Examples of issues and our advice

What action can Bield take?

We will use a range of interventions, depending on the issue:

·     Interview those involved

·     Gather supporting evidence from partners

·     Recommend mediation (if both parties agree)

·     Refer to support services or social work

·     Issue formal warnings

·     Acceptable behaviour contracts

·     Good Neighbour agreements

·     Tenancy enforcement – including conversion to a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy

·     Legal action – in persistent or severe cases, this may lead to eviction