Customer Services
Anti-social behaviour policy
The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 requires all Registered Social Landlords to prepare and publish their policy and procedures in respect of anti-social behaviour. Part 2 of the Act deals with social housing.
The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 extended the powers available to Registered Social Landlords and Local Authorities to tackle incidents of anti-social behaviour. The Act also complements the work of the Mole Valley Crime & Disorder Partnership, whose members include Mole Valley District Council, Mole Valley Housing Association, Surrey Police, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Primary Care Trust and Surrey County Council.
Mole Valley Housing Association must ensure that within the 
policy (275 KB) there is a “ Policy Statement (76 KB)” and a “Statement of Procedures”.
What is Anti Social Behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can cause a lot of unhappiness, misery and upset to individuals or groups within a community. ASB is described in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 as:
“Conduct which is capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to any person and which directly or indirectly relates to, or affects, the housing management functions of a relevant landlord.”
The Act also defines anti-social behaviour as:
“Using or threatening to use housing accommodation owned or managed by a relevant landlord for an unlawful purpose”
Mole Valley Housing Association is a “relevant landlord”.
Policy Statement
Mole Valley Housing Association must have a balanced approach when dealing with anti-social behaviour. It must ensure that any action is proportionate to the issue being dealt with.
Mole Valley Housing Association will work to ensure that where possible prevention of anti-social behaviour is achieved e.g. designing out crime on estates.
Enforcement action will be taken where necessary and Mole Valley Housing Association will deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.
Where possible, and in line with legislation, Mole Valley Housing Association will work with the perpetrator of anti-social behaviour to “rehabilitate” them.
Many situations involving anti-social behaviour are difficult to solve in isolation and therefore require the involvement of multi-agencies working together to determine an effective remedy.
The Anti-Social Behaviour procedure describes the way in which Mole Valley Housing Association will deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour; how the incidents are investigated and the various remedies available to deal with the issue.
This policy statement will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Anti-Social Behaviour Policy Objectives
- To ensure that the tenancy conditions are observed and that local residents have the right to quiet enjoyment of their property, free from the effects of anti-social behaviour.
- To prevent incidents arising where possible and minimise the number of instances of anti-social behaviour.
- To take prompt and effective action where incidents of anti-social behaviour occur.
- To inform tenants of Mole Valley Housing Association of how the Housing Association deals with incidents of anti-social behaviour, including situations whereby local residents are acting as witnesses in particular cases.
- To ensure that staff dealing with Anti Social Behaviour matters are not threatened, harmed or abused in the course of their duties. All staff must be aware of the violence at work policy and must report any incidents, no matter how “minor” they may consider them to be. Depending on the incident, Mole Valley Housing Association will take action to protect staff. Examples of this include injunctions, notice of seeking possessions, possession action.
Examples of Anti-Social Behaviour
Mole Valley Housing Association believes that the matters listed below would be classed as anti-social behaviour: -
- domestic abuse
- child abuse
- criminal activity within the location of the property
- damage to property, including vandalism and graffiti
- threatening behaviour
- racism
- harassment
- abusive behaviour
- intimidation
- offensive language
- non compliance with Environmental Health statutory standards
- lifestyle issues that create infestations and/or health problems
- abandoned cars
- excessive car maintenance
- deliberate littering and/or fouling of common parts
- bullying
- homophobia
- fly tipping
- refusing/obstructing access for Officers or Contractors to carry out works, to rectify, investigate or inspect works
Mole Valley Housing Association believes that the matters listed below would not normally be classed as anti-social behaviour:-
- children playing
- overgrown hedges/gardens, with no infestations
- minor car repairs
- cars inappropriately parked
- untaxed cars
- occasional events – e.g. BBQs, celebrations, special occasions
- incompatible lifestyles
- uncleaned common parts
- aesthetic appearance of properties
- running a business from home
- D-I-Y
However, if there are issues arising from any of the matters listed above, the Area Housing Managers will address the problems and if they persist the Area Housing Manager will deal with these matters as ASB.
