We have listed below some of the different types of problems tenants may encounter.
Noise and Nuisances
Nuisance can be defined as behaviour or actions which cause disruption, distress and/or interference to neighbours. In these cases the person(s) causing the problem may have no intention of causing harm.
Examples could be:
- a 'one off' party
- barking dogs/failure to control dogs
- persistent playing of loud music
- repeated disturbances at night
- children causing disturbance or damage in communal areas
What should you do?
- Try talking to the person causing the nuisance - they may not be aware they are causing a problem.
- If this action is not successful - contact us.
- Give clear details of the complaint with names and addresses of the people causing the problem.
What we will do
- We will write to the tenant causing the problem within 10 working days. This may happen quicker, depending upon the nature of the behaviour. We will not reveal your identity.
- If the problems continue we will issue diary sheets for incidents to be recorded.
- On receipt of the completed diary sheets an officer from the council will visit the tenant causing the problem and/or you depending on the evidence supplied in the diary sheets.
- If the nuisance continues and sufficient evidence is available, we will decide an appropriate course of action.
- In some instances we may involve other agencies such as Social Services or the Mediation Service. In extreme cases we will take legal action.
- If there is no breach of tenancy conditions and we are unable to resolve the situation we will give advice on alternative courses of action available to you.
Harassment
Harassment can be defined as someone deliberately inflicting fear, violence or aggression on another person or group because of their race, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Harassment of this type is a criminal offence.
What should you do?
- Contact the Police and get a crimelog number.
- Contact us giving full details of harassment.
What we will do
- We will try to visit you within one working week to complete a confidential report and provide you with diary sheets.
- After the report has been completed we will visit the tenant who is harassing you.
- If the problem continues and there is sufficient evidence, we will take action under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Anti-Social Behaviour
The definition of 'Anti-Social behaviour' is rarely straightforward; what constitutes a nuisance or annoyance to one person may be of little concern to another. We define anti-social behaviour as events such as criminal behaviour, drug dealing and unprovoked assault. This is not a comprehensive list but gives an indication of the type of behaviour within this category.
What should you do ?
- Contact us giving details of the events.
- If you have suffered physical assault or damage to your property you should contact the Police immediately.
- If the Police have been involved make a note of thelog numberas this may be needed to provide evidence.
- Keep diary sheets and make an accurate record of events.
- You may be required to attend Court and give evidence.
What we will do
- We will write to or visit the tenant causing the problem within 10 working days. This may happen quicker dependent on the severity of the behaviour. We will not reveal your identity.
- Work with the Police if appropriate.
- Issue diary sheets and monitor the situation.
- If there is sufficient evidence the Council will take action either under Housing Legislation or the Crime and Disorder Act 1998
Contact Details
South Derbyshire District Council
Housing Section
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH
Tel: Contact the relevant Housing Officer
Fax: 01283 595852
Online: online enquiry form
Email: housing@south-derbys.gov.uk
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