Antisocial behaviour

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

Whether you have had enough of your neighbours' actions, or complaints have been made against you, it may be possible to improve the situation in your neighbourhood. This section outlines what some of the options might be and explains how and where you can get help.

In most situations, your options will depend on how serious things have become and whether your relationship with your neighbours is still reasonable. Before you do anything:

Try to see things from their point of view and be reasonable.
Be aware that people who are behaving antisocially might not be aware that they are disturbing you or may not be able to control their behaviour (they might be disabled or have behavioural problems).
Remember that if someone has made complaints about you, your behaviour has probably caused them serious distress.
Above all, stay calm.

What behaviour is antisocial?

Working out what counts as antisocial behaviour isn't always as easy as it might seem.

Stopping antisocial behaviour

If you are a victim of antisocial behaviour, try these tips to improve your situation. Don't try to take the law into your own hands, and never use violence.

Antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs)

If antisocial behaviour is a really big problem in your area, an antisocial behaviour order (ASBO) may be able to stop it.

Complying with an ASBO

If your landlord applies for an antisocial behaviour order against you, or someone in your household, it is very important that you comply.

Eviction for antisocial behaviour

Most tenants can be evicted for antisocial behaviour in certain circumstances. The chances of this happening depend on who your landlord is and the type of tenancy you have.

Rehousing and antisocial behaviour

Find out about council duties to victims and perpetrators, and other issues you will need to consider.

Demotion of tenancies

If you are a council or housing association tenant who has been involved in antisocial behaviour, your landlord may demote your tenancy.

Family intervention tenancies

Since 1 January 2009, councils and housing associations have been able to give family intervention tenancies to any of their existing tenants who have been evicted as a result of antisocial behaviour, or could be at risk of eviction because of it. Family intervention tenancies give you limited rights.