How To Evidence Anti-Social Behaviour
Overview
What this guide covers
This guide explains how to build a robust evidence base for anti-social behaviour (ASB) by a tenant or their household — from maintaining an incident log through to gathering witness statements, police reports and using Ground 14 of the Housing Act 1988 for possession.
Who it is for
Any landlord whose tenant or their household is causing anti-social behaviour — including noise nuisance, harassment of neighbours, criminal activity, or damage to communal areas.
What this guide does not cover
- –Anti-social behaviour by neighbours who are not your tenants (contact the local authority or housing association)
- –ASB in Wales or Scotland (different legislation)
- –Injunctions and ASBOs (specialist legal advice required)
Before you start, you will need:
- ·A written record of incidents to date (start one immediately if you do not have one)
- ·Contact details for affected neighbours or other witnesses
- ·The tenancy agreement
- ·Contact details for the local authority ASB team and police
When To Use This Guide
Use this guide when:
- ✓You have received complaints about your tenant from neighbours
- ✓You have witnessed anti-social behaviour yourself
- ✓The police have contacted you about your tenant
- ✓You are considering serving a Section 8 notice on Ground 14
Do not use this guide if:
- ✗You have a single minor complaint with no pattern — investigate first before escalating
- ✗The behaviour is a dispute between neighbours that does not involve your tenant — refer to the local authority