BCHF
Anti-social behaviour (ASB)
We know it is important to all residents that BCHF takes a stand against anti-social behaviour.
We expect all tenants to abide by the Tenancy Agreement that they sign when they become a BCHF tenant. We do our best to make sure that happens.
Useful telephone numbers in reporting ASB:
- Police: 101 (unless it is an emergency when 999 should be called).
- Noise nuisance: 0117 922 2500 daytime 0117 922 2050 at night.
- Waste management for rubbish, fly-tipping: 0117 922 2100.
What is Anti-social behaviour (ASB)?
Anti-social behaviour is behaviour that causes or is likely to cause alarm, harassment or distress to one or more people in another household and includes people working or visiting the area. Tenants are responsible for their own behaviour and that of anyone living in the household or visiting. They are also responsible for their pets and their garden, as set out in the Tenancy Agreement signed at the start of the tenancy.
We will look into complaints made by residents and take appropriate action. Some behaviour may be annoying to you, but we would not regard it as serious anti-social behaviour, such as children playing football in the street. In these instances we will acknowledge your complaint but will not necessarily take action.
How does BCHF respond to ASB?
As far as possible, BCHF expects residents to settle differences between neighbours themselves; we can however offer mediation through an experienced independent mediator to help in this process.
When a person reports an incident of anti-social behaviour, the housing officer will complete an Action Plan with the person reporting the incident. In the Action Plan, details are noted of what action will be taken by BCHF, what action by the person alleging the complaint, and what other agencies will be involved and by whom. We will send you a copy of the Action Plan. We will also carry out a risk assessment so that where we are concerned about a situation, we can let the Police know and further support can be urgently arranged. Staff liaise closely with the Community Beat Managers and the Police Community Support Officers and will sometimes carry out joint visits.
We also liaise with the council’s noise pollution team to which all problems associated with noise such as frequent loud parties, dogs barking or loud music should be reported, as well as to BCHF. Noise pollution will share evidence that they have taken with BCHF so we can take action against tenants who breach their Tenancy Agreement. We also liaise with the council’s Anti-social Behaviour team. Where appropriate we will liaise with other agencies that provide support which may make a difference to a person’s behaviour.
As well as actions to be taken, we will agree with you how often you would like to be contacted by the housing officer. This is likely to be every two weeks but could be more frequently or less, depending on the severity of the anti-social behaviour and the situation of the complainant. We will also contact you before closing a case, and send you a copy of the Action Plan when we write to you so that you can see the actions that have been taken.
Where there are serious cases of violence or harassment, BCHF can take legal action if there is enough evidence given by residents that this is happening. You will be asked to complete an Incident Report Form for a specific period to help in this process.
Report anti-social behaviour
This form is confidential. We will not disclose details of your report to third parties until we have
discussed it with you and obtained your permission.
