Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour directly affects the wellbeing of other people and has a negative impact on communities. When people think about anti-social behaviour they usually think of criminal behaviour such as drug dealing, any behaviour that causes fear, danger, or injury to other people, such as threats or racist abuse. But anti-social behaviour can also be considered as an action or person that persistently disturbs other people’s peaceful enjoyment of their home, for example by playing loud music, continual parties or other continual noise disturbances. Tuath Housing is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour to create safer and better communities for our tenants. Tenants have an obligation not to behave within the dwelling, or in the vicinity of it, in a way that is anti-social or allow other occupiers of, or visitors to the dwelling to behave within it or in the vicinity in such a way.

Anti-social behaviour could be regarded as:

• Committing an offence which is reasonably likely to affect directly the well-being of others.
• Engaging in behaviour which causes or could cause fear, danger, injury, damage or loss to any person living, working or otherwise in the dwelling or its vicinity.
• Engaging persistently in behaviour that prevents peaceful occupation by any other person residing in the dwelling, another dwelling within the property or in the vicinity of that dwelling.

Examples of anti-social behaviour include:

• Sale, supply and possession of illegal drugs
• Illegal drinking, gambling and prostitution
• Harassment and discrimination
• Any activity that can cause a danger, harm or fear to any person living in the vicinity
• Excessive noise or loud music
• Uncontrolled animals
• Rubbish dumping or damage to the property including graffiti
• Unruly children
• Keeping certain breed of dogs or allowing someone to visit you with such dogs
• Breaches of “House Rules” as defined in your agreement and tenant handbook

Action Against Anti-Social Behaviour

Initial incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour can be reported in the following ways:

• Informing Housing Services Co-ordinator by phone, letter, e-mail or in person
• Informing Resident Supervisors where one exists
• Via a Tenants or Residents Association

It is important that Tuath are provided with the following information:

• Date and time of the incident
• Details of the alleged offender
• Nature of the incident
• Details of any witnesses
• Supporting evidence of the incident from another source, e.g Gardaí.

Tuath will record the incident and acknowledge the report, Tuath may need to obtain further details from the victim either in person or by telephone to agree a plan of action with the victim. Whether possible, we will engage with the respondent and interview them, which may lead to:

• A written warning regarding a breach of their obligations in line with the letting agreement and the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to 2019
• Or where applicable a Notice of Termination or a Notice to Quit may be issued if the tenancy is with the Local Authority and/or Commencement of Legal Action to end the tenancy.

Tuath will provide assistance to the victim and take appropriate action against the perpetrator where it is within our control. Everything will be treated in confidence and we will also take care of any urgent repair caused by the incident. We will also endeavor to keep you informed of any progress.

What can you do?

In some situations, it may be possible to resolve the matter by engaging directly with the perpetrator and reach an agreement with them. Where the behavior is a dispute between two residents, mediation may also resolve the problem. Your HSCO can assist in accessing mediation to reach a resolution. Sometimes it may be necessary to report the issue to the Gardai and we can assist you in doing so.

Confidentiality

Be assured that all reports of anti-social behaviour will be treated in confidence. Though we will need to know your name when you report the anti-social behaviour this will remain confidential and will not be shared with anyone. If issues remain unresolved and action must be taken through the Residential Tenancy Board the details of your complaint, but not necessarily your personal information, will be made known to the offending party as part of the exchange of evidence.

Reporting Anti-Social Behaviour

It is our view that everyone should be able to enjoy their home and feel happy and safe in their community. Please report anti-social behaviour. Crimestoppers freephone confidential number 1800 25 00 25 Garda Confidential freephone number 1800 666 111

Anti-social behaviour and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)

Engaging in anti-social behaviour is a breach of tenants’ obligations and Tuath Housing can take action against perpetrators to terminate their tenancy. In the event of serious offences, a 7 days’ notice of termination can be served and the Association can seek possession of the property through the Residential Tenancies Board. In other cases, the Association can may serve a warning notice allowing time to remedy breach and whether the breach will continue then a 28 days’ notice of termination may be served.