News
The vast majority of our tenants are considerate neighbours who help create welcoming and peaceful communities. However, when anti-social behaviour does occur, it can have a serious effect on people's quality of life. That is why Ark Housing is committed to tackling ASB, supporting those affected, and working with residents and partner agencies to find solutions.
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, or are concerned about behaviour in your neighbourhood, we encourage you to report it as early as possible. The sooner concerns are raised, the sooner action can be considered.
What is Anti-Social Behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour is generally any action that causes nuisance, annoyance, alarm, distress or disturbance to others in the community.
Ark Housing's Tenancy Agreement makes clear that tenants must not do anything that is likely to cause nuisance, annoyance or disturbance to neighbours. Everyone has a responsibility to be a good neighbour and show consideration for those living around them.
Examples of anti-social behaviour can include:
- Threats of violence or actual violence
- Intimidation or harassment
- Hate-related behaviour targeting people because of characteristics such as race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender or political opinion
- Excessive noise, including loud music, frequent parties, shouting or persistent dog barking
- Repeated arguing and door slamming that disturbs neighbours
- Environmental issues such as littering, graffiti, dog fouling, fly-tipping or nuisance vehicles
It is important to recognise that not every disagreement between neighbours is anti-social behaviour. For example, occasional household noise, lifestyle differences or minor misunderstandings may be better resolved through discussion and compromise.
However, where behaviour is persistent, serious, threatening or has a significant impact on others, it may be considered anti-social behaviour and should be reported.
Our Position as Your Housing Association
Ark Housing acknowledges that every individual is entitled to live peacefully within their neighbourhood. We take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and are committed to providing a quality, supportive housing service that helps create safer communities for everyone.
When anti-social behaviour is reported, we will:
- Quickly and formally acknowledge reports
- Investigate concerns in a timely manner
- Provide advice and support to tenants
- Speak with and gather information from relevant parties
- Take appropriate action within our role as a Registered Housing Association
- Work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) where appropriate
- Collaborate with other agencies when necessary
- Continue to review cases and provide updates to those involved
- Support tenants who are experiencing anti-social behaviour
We also consider reports of anti-social behaviour regardless of whether the person affected is an Ark Housing tenant, a private tenant or an owner-occupier living within an Ark Housing community.
Our approach is always fair and evidence-based. We understand that every situation is different, and we aim to establish the facts before deciding on the most appropriate course of action.
While our focus is on resolving issues wherever possible, serious or persistent anti-social behaviour may result in formal action. In cases where all efforts to resolve matters have failed, legal action may be considered. This can include seeking possession of a property, applying for an injunction, or pursuing other legal remedies available to protect residents and communities.
The Tenancy Agreement also allows Ark Housing, where appropriate, to seek injunctions to prevent behaviour that is causing or threatening nuisance, annoyance or distress, the use of accommodation for illegal or immoral purposes, or unlawful activity connected to residential properties.
What Should You Do if You Experience or Witness Anti-Social Behaviour?
If you are affected by anti-social behaviour, taking prompt action can help us understand the issue and respond effectively.
1. Report the issue
Contact Ark Housing as soon as possible if you experience or witness behaviour that is causing concern.
When reporting, try to provide:
- A description of what happened
- Dates and times of incidents
- Where the incidents occurred
- Details of anyone involved, if known
- Information about how the behaviour has affected you
- Details of any witnesses
The more information you can provide, the easier it is for us to investigate.
Please remember: If you report incidents to the police, keep note of the crime reference number.
2. Keep a record
Keeping a diary of incidents can be extremely helpful. Record:
- What happened
- When it happened
- How long it lasted
- The impact it had on you or your household
- Consistent records can help build a clearer picture of what is taking place over time.
3. Cooperate with the investigation
As part of our investigation, we may need to speak to you, other residents or relevant agencies. We may also ask for witness statements or additional information.
Providing accurate and honest information helps us assess the situation fairly and determine the most appropriate action.
4. Allow us time to investigate
Some cases can be resolved quickly, while others require information to be gathered from several sources. Throughout the process, we aim to keep those involved informed and provide updates where appropriate.
5. Contact emergency services if necessary
If there is immediate danger, criminal activity in progress, or a serious threat to someone's safety, contact the PSNI immediately.
Prevention and Good Neighbour Tips
The best communities are built on mutual respect, communication and consideration. While not every issue can be avoided, there are simple things we can all do to help maintain positive relationships with our neighbours.
- Be considerate of noise
- Keep music, televisions and other noise at a reasonable level
- Be mindful of noise late at night and early in the morning
- Let neighbours know in advance if you are planning an event that may create temporary noise
- Respect shared spaces
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly
- Clean up after pets
- Help keep communal areas safe and tidy
- Report vandalism, graffiti or fly-tipping when you see it
- Communicate respectfully
- Approach minor issues calmly and politely where it is safe to do so
- Avoid confrontational behaviour
- Treat neighbours with dignity and respect, even when disagreements arise
- Report concerns early before they escalate
Small actions can make a big difference and help prevent misunderstandings from becoming larger problems.
Working Together for Better Communities
Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week is an important reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating safe, respectful neighbourhoods.
At Ark Housing, we are committed to supporting tenants, investigating concerns and taking appropriate action when anti-social behaviour occurs. Most importantly, we want our tenants to know that they do not have to deal with these issues alone.
If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour, or are worried about behaviour in your neighbourhood, please contact Ark Housing as early as possible. Early reporting often gives us the best opportunity to understand the issue and work towards a positive solution.
We encourage tenants to make use of our Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Toolkit, available on the Ark Housing website. The toolkit is designed to help you understand what is and is not considered anti-social behaviour, identify which organisation may be best placed to deal with the issue, and guide you through the next steps to take. In some cases, concerns may be more appropriately dealt with by the local council or the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and the toolkit can help point you in the right direction. The toolkit can be accessed at: www.arkhousing.co.uk/page/anti-social-behaviour. Ark Housing advises that the toolkit helps residents work out what steps they need to take if they have an ASB concern.
Together, we can continue to build communities where everyone feels safe, respected and proud to call home.