Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is any behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to other people living in your neighbourhood. If anyone threatens or disrupts the quiet enjoyment of other people, we will take action to make sure the nuisance stops.
Anti-social behaviour covers everything from letting your garden become an eyesore to drug dealing or physical violence. For example:
- Playing your music too loud
- Dumping rubbish
- Threatening or swearing at neighbours
- Assault or physical violence
- Racist or homophobic abuse or graffiti
- Damaging neighbours' homes or property.
Crime and anti-social behaviour
Many criminal acts are also classed as anti-social behaviour - for example vandalism, drug dealing, abusive language and abusive behaviour. The council's anti-social behaviour unit will take action against the person committing such acts, but you should always contact the police first. Telephone 0845 6060606 to report any crime to the police, but if the crime is in progress or there is a danger to someone's life, ring 999.
Council tenants and anti-social behaviour
We expect that all council tenants will act reasonably, and that most differences between neighbours can be resolved amicably without our involvement. Unfortunately, sometimes people will not change their behaviour. If a tenant continues to be a nuisance to his or her neighbours, we will consider what is the most appropriate action to take and could include eviction for a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Please tell your local housing office as soon as possible if a neighbour is causing a nuisance.
How to be a good neighbour
The best way to deal with ASB is not to let it happen in the first place. That means showing consideration for other people, and getting on with your neighbours. It's common sense.
- Introduce yourself when you move in - you could even become friends
- warn your neighbours if you are going to have a party
- keep your TV or stereo volume down at night
- train your dog so it doesn't bark unnecessarily.
Remember that you are responsible for the behaviour of your children and visitors to your home. If they cause a nuisance, we will take action against you.
To report an incident of anti-social behaviour, please call 0113 398 4701 between 7.30am and 6.00pm Monday to Thursday; 7.30am to 4.30pm Friday.
For further information see the Safer Leeds website