Report anti-social behaviour (council tenants)

Some examples of behaviour that would be treated as ASB include (but are not limited to):

• intimidation and harassment
• the fouling of public areas, graffiti, fly tipping and nuisance vehicles
• actual violence against people or property
• hate behaviour that targets members of identified groups because of their perceived difference, for example racial harassment
• using or threatening to use housing accommodation to manufacture, supply or sell drugs, or for other unlawful purposes
• excessive noise nuisance.

ASB can have a serious impact on health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. Our dedicated tenancy support team works closely with our community safety team and Kent Police to tackle ASB-related issues in council-owned housing.

While we aim to tackle ASB, we are not an emergency service. Crimes such as harassment, intimidation, violence, drug activity, hate crime or any other illegal activity must be reported to Kent Police first.

Some examples of issues which may upset or disturb people but which are unlikely to be dealt with as ASB are:

• babies crying
• children playing (including balls games, unless they are being played in a communal area and causing a nuisance)
• cooking smells
• doors and drawers being shut
• dishwashers, hoovers, tumble dryers, washing machines and/or other household appliances, dropping of objects/moving of furniture
• general talking
• heavy footfalls (people walking on floors or upstairs)
• flushing toilets and running water
• light switches being turned on and off
• loud talking or laughing
• one-off or isolated incidents, for example a party or an argument or altercation
• people carrying out DIY jobs at reasonable hours of the day
• families arguing and shouting between themselves (unless you suspect there is domestic abuse taking place in which case this should be reported to the police)
• sexual noises
• shift workers leaving home
• slamming doors
• noise transference due to poor sound insulation.

We prioritise our response to each reported case of ASB including hate incidents based on the severity of the ASB and the impact to the reporter and their household. There are three categories. These are:

Category A (we will respond to the reporter in 2 working days)

• serious and violent incidents involving a person or a property
• intimidation and/or harassment
• hate incidents that target members of identified groups because of their perceived difference or characteristics.

Category B (we will respond to the reporter in 4 working days)

• using or threatening to use housing accommodation to manufacture, supply or sell drugs or for other unlawful purposes
• threatening or abusive behaviour
• excessive noise nuisance.

Category C (we will respond to the reporter in 10 working days)

• the fouling of public areas, graffiti (unless it is racist or obscene) fly tipping, nuisance vehicles
• excessively untidy gardens
• noisy animals.

Hate crime involves any criminal offence where the victim or any other person believes they have been targeted because of their:

• race/ethnicity
• religion/belief
• gender or gender identity
• disability
• sexual orientation

Hate crime can include name calling, verbal abuse, bullying and harassment, spitting and physical attacks, damage to property, graffiti, written notes, emails, abuse on social media sites and text messages.

Hate crime is hugely under-reported as some victims feel reluctant to come forward for fear of attracting further abuse or because they do not believe they will be taken seriously.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing hate crime, please report it to the police either by phoning 101 or online at www.report-it.org.uk/home

If the incident is serious and you or someone else is in immediate danger contact the police by dialling 999.

If you have a problem with a neighbour's behaviour, try talking to them in the first instance if it is safe to do so.

Here are some tips:

• think about the issue and ask yourself 'am I being reasonable?'
• make sure it is safe to approach your neighbour
• take the time to say hello to your neighbour or invite them in for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat
• if you are on good terms with your neighbour and there is a noise issue, invite them to your house to listen to it - they may not know they are causing a problem
• if there is a noise issue ask yourself 'is this an everyday living noise' which cannot be avoided?
• understand your neighbour may have a different lifestyle to yours
• do not leave talking to your neighbour for too long as the problem will get worse and you will get angry and less likely to come to an agreement
• do not start shouting or threaten your neighbour as this will make the problem worse
• be prepared to listen to what your neighbour has to say and come to an agreement that is best for both of you
• if you feel you cannot speak to your neighbour you can write them a letter - keep a copy as it is useful evidence if the problem gets worse.

If speaking to your neighbour is unsuccessful contact us or your independent living manager.

• email: housing@dover.gov.uk
• phone: 01304 801084

Demand for council housing is high in the district, so we act quickly when anything affects the availability of homes for new tenants.

Empty properties are usually caused by abandonment or illegal occupation.
An abandoned property is one where the tenant has left without formally ending their tenancy. We are often unaware the home is empty, and it can attract theft, vandalism or squatters.

Sometimes people move into these properties without permission. This is illegal occupation or squatting. It also includes cases where a former tenant sub-lets their home, which is not allowed under the Tenancy Agreement. In these situations, we will take action to regain possession of the property.

If you are aware that a council property is abandoned or is being illegally occupied please contact us. Any information you provide will be treated confidentially.