Guide to the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act

Originally written by Abigail Taylor, updated by the editorial team on 19th May 2026

What the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 covers

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 replaced and streamlined a range of earlier powers used to deal with nuisance and disruptive behaviour. It brought together measures from several previous laws, including parts of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, and gave councils, police and housing providers a clearer set of tools to respond to problems.

The Act addresses anti-social behaviour broadly, not just disputes between neighbours. It covers persistent noise, harassment, threats, vandalism, and behaviour that causes alarm or distress to others. It also deals with matters such as dangerous dogs, forced marriage, and certain police powers.

If you are dealing with anti-social behaviour from a neighbour, the 2014 Act is likely to shape how your council, housing association or the police responds. Understanding these powers helps set expectations and informs you of potential remedies.

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Injunctions to prevent anti-social behaviour

One of the main tools under the Act is the civil injunction. This replaced the old anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) and the anti-social behaviour injunction used by social landlords.

A civil injunction can be sought against someone aged 10 or over if they have engaged in, or threatened to engage in, conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance. For those under 18, the application process involves youth offending teams, who provide assessment and input. The court must also be satisfied that granting the injunction is just and convenient to prevent further anti-social behaviour.

The injunction can include prohibitions, such as banning someone from a certain area or from contacting specific people. It can also include positive requirements, such as attending a course or programme designed to address their behaviour.

A few points to note:

For anyone under 18, an injunction can last up to 12 months.
For adults, there is no fixed time limit. The court decides what is appropriate.
Breaching an injunction can lead to further court action. Adults may face civil contempt proceedings, which can result in imprisonment. For younger people, consequences may include supervision or detention orders.

Applications for injunctions can be made by councils, police, housing providers, the Environment Agency, NHS Counter Fraud Authority, and certain other public authorities or registered providers of social housing. As a resident, you cannot apply directly, but you can report problems and ask your landlord or council to consider this route.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Other powers under the Act

The 2014 Act introduced several other measures that may be relevant depending on your situation.

Criminal behaviour orders can be issued by a court following a conviction for any criminal offence if the court believes the person has engaged in behaviour that caused harassment, alarm or distress. They are intended to prevent further offending and can include restrictions on where someone can go or who they can contact.

Community protection notices allow councils and police to address conduct by anyone aged 16 or over, or by a business, where that conduct is having a persistent and unreasonable effect on the quality of life of others in the area. The notice can require them to stop certain behaviour or take steps to put things right.

Public spaces protection orders let councils restrict activities in a defined area if the behaviour is having a detrimental effect on the local community. These orders are commonly indicated by signs in public areas such as parks and town centres.

Closure powers allow police or councils to apply to close premises linked to nuisance or disorder in serious cases. This might apply to a property being used for drug dealing or persistent disturbances.

Each of these powers has its own conditions and processes. The appropriate measure depends on the nature and severity of the behaviour involved.

What you can do if you are affected

If anti-social behaviour from a neighbour is affecting your daily life, the first step is usually to report it. Keep a written record of incidents, including dates, times and what happened. This will help whoever handles your complaint to understand the pattern of behaviour.

You can report problems to your local council, which will usually have an anti-social behaviour team. If you rent from a housing association or council, your landlord may also have its own procedures. The police should be contacted if behaviour is criminal or you feel at risk.

Some councils offer mediation services, which can help resolve disputes without formal action. This is often a sensible first step where the behaviour is annoying rather than threatening.

If informal approaches are unsuccessful, inquire with your council or landlord about potential formal actions. They may be able to apply for an injunction, issue a community protection notice, or take other steps under the 2014 Act.

For detailed guidance on the law and your options, GOV.UK provides official information on anti-social behaviour powers and how to report problems in your area.

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Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan lets you get a clear action plan to deal with anti-social neighbours. Takes 2 minutes. Try it now →

53 questions

Ask Problem Neighbours a Question

ProblemNeighbours Editor 19/05/2026 at 9:17 am

@Pinky ASBOs as such no longer exist; they were replaced by Civil Injunctions and Community Protection Notices under the 2014 Act. If you're witnessing the daughter being mistreated, that sounds more like a safeguarding issue, so ring Adult Social Care at your local council, or the police if you think she's at risk of harm. You can also report the parents' behaviour to the council's anti-social behaviour team, who can act against named individuals rather than the whole household. Keep a diary of incidents with dates and times to back up any complaint.

Pinky 15/10/2023 at 6:50 pm

My next door neighbor's are trying there adult daughter like crap when she is the carer can I get an asbo out on the parents and not there daughter?

Rolfe 12/08/2023 at 1:03 pm

Out next door Afghani Neibhour calling us mentally unsound and mad and swearing .Harassing ,bullying , intimidating ,with physical violence , banging on the our Front door continuously and non stop ringing door bell,. Throwing cat poop in our property everyday despite being politely asked not too many time . Now I am threatened with physical violence and trying to punch me in the face .. Seek immediate help as we are sick and frail and causing us distress and anxiety . What shall I do .? Can I call the police and complain about this incident today

Dawn 05/10/2022 at 2:07 pm

What can be done about my Nextdoor neighbours son ? He smokes weed & it comes into my house. I’ve contacted the council but nothing has been done yet. The smell is awful. We are both council tenants. Why should I have to put up with it ?

Zazaalice 17/08/2022 at 4:53 pm

How do I stop the council from using next-door as temporary accommodation. It's rented from a private landlord. I have lived here for 20 years with my daughter and had no trouble. I am now 65 have various health problems, which are made so much worse by these tenants we live in semi-detached houses but to be honest the walls are so thin it's worse than a flathe people they are putting in are loud rude obnoxious and noisy.
This is causing me so much stress. I want to live a longer life not have it cut short by stress. No one can do anything about help please I can't take much more.

Andy 27/04/2022 at 10:25 pm

Having problems with as many as 10/15 children throwing stones at windows door and at car as been going on for about 1year now , weaved phone the police got crime numbers tried to talk to perents and got no were it's cos our grandson how lives with us he's austic / ADHD / and just does not understand why kids try and pick on him and won't leaf us all a lone.

Boo 31/03/2022 at 1:59 pm

I have neighbours from he'll they have constantly caused problems for me and my elderly mother of 89 we are both disabled
It started with very loud music
Then was constant jumping up and down to such extent the lights were shuddering
This all happened even while my sister who was dying of cancer was here
When we went down to care for her they took over our part of garden .
It then moved to trying to block me parking even though I have badge
It has now escalated to spreading malicious lies to other neighbours to stop them talking to us and unbelievable some believe....the only thing we have done is try to fight for our bit of garden

Bear 25/08/2021 at 7:40 pm

On Saturday early evening I invited a neighbour In to my flat and she, had already been drinking but seemed fine so I let her in for a bit as the drinks get flowing she was getting aggrevated about my daughters boyfriend cos he's older and didn'tike it so she kicked off with everyone so I told her to leave but wouldn't so I got my boyfriend to help me we had a bit of a push and shove we got her out eventually then next morning she came back kicking off saying you and your daughter are dead when you come out of your flat, she's got a few bruises and a scratch which I didn't do I was protecting my home and family did I do right and can I get In trouble with housing for protecting myself and flat? Worried about getting kicked out of my flat?

Roz 29/07/2021 at 11:39 am

Hi have a neighbours dog going over to my side on purpose to indimidate my dogs very aggressive and trying to fight with my dogs on purpose when it comes to my fence it’s dangerously out of control very stressful and no peace

Lin 12/05/2021 at 4:33 am

Hi I just would love some advice here I have a neighbour and friend she is mentally Ill and have a serious drug problem. She fights constantly with her partner and calls the police constantly on him. The trouble is they are false allegations of abuse she has called the police making false claims about domestic violence when their isnt. She will go on drug and drink binges for days on end I have spoke to her about concerns I have. She will ring the police up and ask the police if they can drop her off at so so place and use the police as a taxi. She will shout scream yell in our neighbourhood throughout all day and night walking up neighbours set dogs of barking and wake children up in the residential area. It's been going on for months now. I'm at my wits end with it. She has admitted to me and another neighbour that she makes false and nuisance phone calls to the police and emergency services. The police now have her on record. I'm sick of seeing the police outside front of my house and I'm sick of them knocking on my door and neighbours door. It's now the 7th time they came in recent months. I've tried to have words with my neighbour but she doesn't listen and will do what she wants. She doesnt listen to any one. Its bothering me as I suffer from anxiety myself and its affecting my health and well being. Moving isnt the option I been where I am for over 10 years my neighbour only been where they are for several months only. She got a habbit of banging on neighbours doors all hours day and night uninvited comes around at really late in evening or early hours of the morning. I dont know what else to do where to go who to report to. It's now getting more then a nuisance its anti social behaviour now. I'm in my mid 40s she is 35 and got severe mental health issues. She has done this before in another town with other people and many others do know what she is like. She got herself and partner evicted before from in another town because of her anti social behaviour she to were she lived before did the exact the same thing calling the police banging on neighbours doors and making false domestic violence claims. Its history repeating all over again.

Jo 03/04/2021 at 8:04 am

If your neighbour uses barbecue for hours go to a park, take your son. It is more fun too

Jo 03/04/2021 at 8:02 am

M:
Why doesnt your son go to the park to play.

Sometimes it is the other way round, only kids can use gardens.

It usedn't to be like this.
it used to be that men left home and kids too, women took care of the garden, rested in the garden. Home used to belong to women.

Mazzy 03/03/2021 at 8:54 pm

We had a neighbour downstairs from us who since moved in complained about almost everything not believing word we say etc. He works nights mon-fri and we pretty quiet most of the time and in best most nights watching iPads by 10pm. I got a message from him couple weeks ago complain that he could hear me close my front door (am side entrance and he a front entrance) at 2 o’clock today my partner was playing music and neighbour came to door it was not heard right away and time it was heard no one was there he looked outside and opened window to as seen him walking down our path of everything was ok he started shouting and balling accusing. Us of gas lighting him and then threatened to punch my partner face. He kept asking what the problem was and he would not state.
Tonight he then called my mobile at 8 o’clock to ask if I knew if he was Round and I said yes and he then turned round and said I know exactly what it was about (in threatening manner) and I was again gas lifting him what do I do in this circumstance

Amber 30/01/2021 at 7:33 pm

I moved to a block of flats 4 in the block about 1 year ago. At first everything was quiet. Then my upstairs neighbour,s partner moved out about 4 months ago. Since then he's been having constant parties playing loud music till the early hours of the morning. I spoke to him about this and all I got was verbal abuse and threats. 2 weeks later he tried to kick my front door in all because I phoned the police about his parties and loud music. Police charged him. He went quiet for a couple of weeks but recently it's been getting worse. I contacted environmental health and they said that they would write to him and warn him about his anti social behaviour but seems to make no difference as earlier tonight he banged on my front shouting and swearing and threatened me. Contacted the police. Hope this doesn't make things worse. I'm on my own and I'm living in fear. Terrified that he might be able to get inside my flat

Loz 12/01/2021 at 3:29 am

I have a man who lives close by to me and he follows me through the forest to kill the foxs i feed with his dogs, how do i get him out of this area please, he has done this for the past 4 years and will not stop.

Cathy 06/01/2021 at 5:49 pm

What does it mean when someone asks if a particular area is suitable for families.

Does it mean that they are asking if there is enough noise for them to fit in?

A constant racket/ a circus, Ball games, power tools, kids screaming, yelling, shouting, mopeds, dozens of dogs barking, a lot of all terrain vehicles...

Are they asking if there is enough noise so they would t disturb any peace if they moved.

Or do they mean that they only want to live where affluent families live and shy away from the poor, the ill, or addictions other than money or noise making.

Gee 20/12/2020 at 4:42 pm

I have 3 problem neighbours in a block of flats it only goes up too 12 top,middle and below me constantly banging dropping heavy objects. I live alone,I have had a aneurysm and I have enlarged heart. As I am texting the cupboard slamming quite often the doors banging bang bang I'm sick off all this every day I go out early when I come back same thing bang bang
The letters didn't work if you knock their door they don't answer

Gee 20/12/2020 at 4:26 pm

Freddy West 22/11/2020 at 11:17 pm

@PND - 22-Apr-18 @ 7:44 PM There most certainly is action to be taken. These people are obviously harming your health and that of your baby whilst blatantly flouting the laws of this great nation ! Cannabis is well known to cause schizoprenia and kleptomania and is the gateway drug to Heroin ! So, to best protect your family from this psychotic,theiving, anarchist junkie, I would suggest reversing your vehicle as close to their front door as possible, attach a pipe long enough to reach their letterbox, run the engine....... After a sensible amount of time, don your gas mask, load the bodies into the back of handily placed vehicle and drive them round to mine.... I happen to be re-doing the patio this week. All the best x

Star 24/10/2020 at 1:04 pm

I can understand where he is coming from when he said his neighbour knows what their doing its the same for me, they could rectify the problem but they dont and it can affect your mental health, i hope things get better for you star

Star 24/10/2020 at 12:47 pm

My neighbour has a cat they dont have it in their house at all. They have a shed and open the door in the morning thete is dishes of food and wster there, the problem is i cant leave my backdoor open ad it trys to come in. It goes round the side of my house and digs up my borders knocks over my plants and my trelis trys to get in my livingroom window have had it in my house more than once its a constant battle.

M 19/10/2020 at 11:09 pm

My neighbor burning wood in barbecue plate, in the garden close to my fence, my son can’t play to the garden specially in his trampoline, he doing any day of a week weather is nice, I did complain to council, they checked the photo and they said smoke it’s acceptable still, but he doing 5 hours and we can’t open the door or seat in the garden, and conversation didn’t work, they said it’s their garden they like to do whatever they likes. We can’t use our garden, my kid completely getting sick and cough and he doesn’t go to the garden. No any rules for bonfire, but it’s very effective and harmful. What I should to do?

Kev 14/10/2020 at 8:13 am

It’s happening to me now and has moved out of the building the stalker that is he works for a handy man bussness an use to do maitanance on the building . But on many occasions I’ve court him out breaking thing on per purpus and And he’s stollen a lot of thing like private and personal thing let just say everything I owned was broken stolen or swoped for something of less a value this guy just won’t leave me family along and he’s doing the same thing to my family .and on and he steal our mail our keys bank details even got the same van as me and even swoped the tyre he would sit in the garage and just listen to my family so he new what was going on who had to do what and what time where his garage was below our unit and his place was above our unit we were like sausage in the bum.and then to be continue I got heep Moore to tell

Sailor 20/09/2020 at 7:13 am

My neighbours have erected a panelled fence on thier land, the other side of the boundary line. This has now left a tree which was on thier land, on my side of this new fence. The branches of the tree are now growing into my Laurel hedge. If I remove the branches it will leave an unsightly half a tree. Unfortunately we have not got on since they moved in a year ago. What can I do?

Sailor 20/09/2020 at 7:10 am

Mm 25/08/2020 at 3:42 pm

I am have eggs thrown at my door by some kids that are hang around and they keep knock my door and then running of . I have phoned the council about this and also the police. And the police told me to get a door bell camera which I now they will keep pressing it every 5 mins . I really do now what to do any more as have eggs thrown every day

Lulu 27/07/2020 at 4:23 am

The neighbours kids (under 10), came to my house and started making accusations that i stollen all the stuff of their nana's (apparently, she lived/died 4 years ago, in the house that i rent now (for the last 2 years). Didn't take "no" for an answer, they tried to knick some hanging flowers during that early evening, but i could scare them away. But then later, they broke in to my back garden and stolen 3 garden animal ornaments. Reported to the police, showed them images on cctv, but told me if i don't know exactly where they live and because they are under 10y old, they can't do anything legally. So, what should I do now? How can i get my stuff back, and how can I stop them to return in the future to steal/harass me? Need help/advice please, asap. Thank you

Tell me more 26/07/2020 at 7:54 pm

Hello
Just after some info and what we can do about anti social behaviour? as a community many have suffered some form of verbal and physical abuse from the family in question, only yesterday was my turn and me being the peace and love type of person i am I tried to resolve it as amibically as I could and went to see the parents. It might seem trivial to some but the children in question are not from our area and come and visit family. for years they have victimised other children and adults when challenged over behaviours and are constantly fighting, the parents do nothing and continue to allow these children to roam the streets and park when it was open and when other families confront them and raise concerns about their child's behaviour they do nothing. A lot of the bahaviour is swearing and fighting but it's constant and not one weekend or weekday they are down goes by where some family hasn't been at the brunt of their abuse , sorry to rant
so my question is, how can we as a community protect our young and ourselfs can the children/teens be issued with an asbo or the parents and does it need the whole community to speak out for one to be placed ?? As I know just like the drug crime and many other issues a lot of our community are afraid to report and will sit back and take or watch what's going on around them
Thanks

MF 06/05/2020 at 8:11 am

I’ve been dealing with a horrible neighbour for quite a while now.
He moved in 5 years ago and his premises are to believe that people have to do what he wants when he wants. Unfortunately he’s in my building on the basement and I’m in the very top floor.
He’s quite obsessed about the roof, putting up antenas and gaining access through my flat quite a lot to do whatever up there.
Last year I’ve made clear that I wouldn’t abide to his demands anymore as his requests are incredibly inconsiderate as everytime he demands me to be at home or give him my keys, he never asks if I can or if it’s ok.
Earlier this year he started again and I said no as I wasn’t in the country, that’s when the drama started... he pestered me with 3 page long text messages and in one week I received more than 60, together with calls starting at 6am.
He tried to reach me at my gym and also started ringing my door bell as using his own words he would literally do whatever it took to get inside the flat on the day that he wanted, so that’s when I involved the police.

The police came and gave him a warning, still he short after decided to break it and start trespassing onto my side of the property .
The police came again and gave him another warning which he’s breaching every other day, I have pictures of him doing that, which are being sent to MET police on a weekly basis together with other documents and letters issued by my landlady and myself.

Around a week ago he decided to play extremely loud music, but loud enough to be heard as if the radio was inside my house on the 2nd floor of the building, other neighbours complained and he’s still doing it. Yesterday changed to loud music, scream singing, machinery all at the same time together with blocking my passage to my own garden with trash.

I would love to get an injunction against him as I don’t know how much longer my mental health will cope with it.
He knows what he’s doing and he’s aggressive, the police is not doing much which leaves me even more worried as feels like they don’t care.

If there was no COVID I would be long gone but unfortunately that’s not an option.
If anyone can help me it will be great.

Thanks a lot

Sonia 13/03/2020 at 10:53 pm

My neighbours into a flat next door and they smoke weed everyday. I suffer with asthma and have problems with my breathing every since they moved in my bedrooms sþink of the smell. I have tried to speak to them and i have reported them to their landlord and the police but nothing has been done. They said that they would stop i even think that they are dealing because they don't work. I wish that they would evict them but they won't so i have to suffer. My health is being affected by their constant smoking of weed. My chest hurts.

Bunmy 17/12/2019 at 7:12 pm

These comments can you give advice. I mean the Law Enforcement and prosecutors office do not want to do their job in the inner city. The Law Enforcement think they just take car of tax payer while we pay taxes too. What ca you do guilder to anti sociable.

Bunmy 17/12/2019 at 7:01 pm

Being harass by neighbor and their visitors who so happen to know pervious landlords [removed] and wife [removed] who I put court papers because the pervious landlord's wife [removed] started putting mud over door where I lived and had their tenanted to harass me while I lived in their rental house. I inform Columbus police department's dispatcher 614 645 4545 and Ambience villas rental office manager Mr. Lymon about why this neighbor and their visitors are harassing me by standing at wall that so happen to be where my living room next door and when I go up stairs this neighbor come up stairs plus the bathroom too when I be in bathroom next door . Plus I inform Columbus police department's dispatcher 614 645 4545 and Ambience villas rental office manager Mr. Lymon [removed] that this same neighbor associates shot off a gun out side because I was on my phone in my home telling a friend I wish this dam neighbor mind their business 05132019 and 911 was call concerning the gun shot plus this neighbor shot off a gun before that 02162018 I was so nervous and intimidated I did not call CPD's dispatcher.

Jane 09/12/2019 at 2:54 am

Hi, I moved in a flat a few months back on my own, my neighbours knock on the door at all times of they day and every day since I moved in, they demand to know where I am, they have told me that they have seen someone in my flat whist I have been at work, but then said it was a joke, they have told me other things that is quite distressing, both my neighbours have learning disabilities, I have politely asked them not to keep knocking on my door, as I live on my own, I dont want to upset them, but I work nights full time, even when I go out side to let my dog out they are straight out then wont go away even when I say that I need the loo, i have been documenting times and what they wanted, I've reported to their landlord, but all they said was talk to them, or ignore them when they knock, I have done this, but they knocked 20mins, what else can i do, I feel like a prisoner in my own home

DJ 20/10/2019 at 11:10 pm

I live on a street of terrace hoses, as you know they are of no good quality. For the past few month there has been a group of homeless drug uses on the corner of my street, just to clarify that is 4 terrace houses away... screaming, shouting, swearing, crying, having drug deals. I have a 16 month old son and every night they wake my son and I and I have been out and asked them nicely if they could maybe not shout and they said yes okay and apologised but 30 seconds from me walking away if not less they are screaming again. It’s not fair on us and it isn’t fair on the rest of the neighbours either. What should I do?

Margarita Ivanovich 26/09/2019 at 8:02 pm

I am exhausted with neighbours' children's voices.(screaming, crying, banging, yelling, being loud, as their parents and grandparents think they will be pushovers if they can not yell as much they please).

There is always a gang of children outside for ten years in close proximity. I live in a detached house and got into trouble with this couple in sales business, as she is not my next door neigbour and still brought herself and the gang of families with kids to my fence and i politely asked them if they could use their own garden and she and her husband started talking about me in the street to passers by saying i shouöd move.

They wanted their children to play ball games in the street and there was always about ten people there. Families in the neighborhood gathered here in the street. There is always a gang of people here.

About thirty families have been taking turns bringing themswlves and loud kids here .

I am exhausted and worried about my kids. they have some kind of gang stalking going on where they use their children to make noise.
It is not normal here. Hardly anyone ever hears any noise inside but i have had constant noise since 2007 when this it/construction salesperson moved her.

Mac 15/04/2019 at 11:40 am

We bought our house a little over a year ago and there is a property that adjoins ours at the bottom of their garden. The problem I have is that the 16 year old son of the family that live their keeps kicking a ball against my garage wall and up onto the fragile roof of the garage. The ball has also hit our second floor window. The garage roof now has a minor leak. I have asked several times for them to stop this practice with no success. The previous house owners had the same problem as does the house that adjoins said neighbour. We have suffered a tirade of verbal abuse also when asking them to stop. This family has caused problems in the area for years so I have been informed and nothing anyone does seems to address the issues. I believe the house is rented unlike the others in this area that are privately owned and I cannot find out who the letter or letting agent is. What can I do as I don’t feel I can go into my own rear garden safely and I am worried that my property will suffer further damage.

Phil 11/02/2019 at 7:18 pm

Just giving the owners of this website some feedback, re their response to 'Lenny.'

You say the council have done their duty, however Lenny has been treated like he himself is the cause. This is an uncivilized and unprofessional approach from the council and police. Also, all the neighbors have to do is go quiet for the three months, and then start up again.

How exactly, have the police and council done their duty? How do you come to this conclusion?

Like many of us with neighbor difficulties, Lenny has found out that the police and council do not operate at a level necessary to maintain first world civilization.

If you want to actually help people, this problem needs to be addressed.

Mummyof3 25/09/2018 at 4:49 pm

I have been the victim of harassment and what feels like stalking but also intimidation and racism for been white. Criminal damage to my property and my younger son who is only 6 years old has been attacked by the mother of 5 children nextdoor was getting her children to throw stones over the back garden fence and one of the stones hit my 6 year old on his right eye which caused bruising and swelling when the stone hit my son he screamed in pain and the mother of 5 my neighbour was laughing and saying yes we got him to her children and they all was laughing. My neighbours like I said have 5 children. They wake us up between 02.00am up until 05.00 every morning. I have a son with special needs and he has been threatened by these neighbours and also called stupid white scum. My family have been spat at and racially abused when visiting me and they are my sons grandparents my sons grandfather has had 2 heart attacks and cant take the stress and strain of it all. My younger so has been put though play theropy at school and has been falling asleep in school because of these neighbours as so has my older son at collage and where he has special needs he is finding it very difficult to concentrate due to been so tied as we get woken every night by screaming shouting banging and the 2 parents screaming at the kids then rowing amongst there selfs. I have put in complaint after complaint. I have had to phone the police so many times and all they keep getting is a warning. They are destroying my children's lives and mine. My younger son is scared to go out into his own back garden on his own even though I have put up cctv. This nightmare needs to end her housing officer is been contacted nearly every day by me. My housing association are doing there absolute best. But the neighbours even refused mediation with me. I have an harrassment order on them but that's not working. My 17 year old is also having to go to counseling and the doctors are looking to put him on sleeping tablets as he is so tired from been woken up every night. I need help these neighbours hav back in june phoned social services and the nspcc on me and it was all put down by the police and social services as malicious. Only last night the man nextdoor was taking videos of my bedroom window and I caught him on cctv I phoned 999 straight away and doing the 4 hour wait for themm ti fo.e the neighbours were banging on the walls and shouting to me stupid white birch we ain't finished with you yet and shouting though honky honky honky honky white slag.I have so much evidence on them but there housing officer has been informed of all the evidence I have to show him but has not been in contact to come and visit to watch it all. I'm at pure breaking point. HELP

helen 17/08/2018 at 10:57 pm

I have a neighbour whose giving me grief and about 12 other neighbours we keep reporting her again and again our housing association aren't doing much about her or her destructive 8 year old son. I'm now being watched 24/7 always giving me grief I'm 56 go to work unlike her it's now causing me to get depressed what can I do about it

Enzy 26/07/2018 at 4:48 am

Hi my neighbour who as bought house comes back every 3 months just to do what ever we all no it’s drugs does his crop then off again , house our house smells when this is happening his garden is out of control even street pride involved, but because it’s a bought property what steps do I take

BAHAR 21/07/2018 at 11:07 am

My neighbours throwing rubbish inside building and outside even they are through baby nappy every where rubbish:( how we can sorted this out

Desperate 04/07/2018 at 7:35 pm

My neighbour is insistent that I have caused a rat problem by feeding the birds. I have never seen more that one rat occasionally, we live by the water, but in the interest of compromise I have moved to a bird feeder that leaves no mess. Since then, my neighbour has put 6 inch nails on the adjoining garden fence. He has erected 6 ft fencing at the front of his property, which is not in keeping with the area. Today, he has rerouted the drain ppipe across the length of the 6ft fence to drain onto a public path. I have tried to gain the support of the council, but they never respond to my emails and I get automated advise,which does not relate to this when I ring. I am now left with a 6ft fence with piping across it at t he front of my property. Any advice?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/07/2018 at 12:07 pm

It sounds as though the council and the police have performed their duty so it may be difficult to claimed they have failed you. Two fixed penalty orders plus an order to get their fence secured, together with noise monitors being placed in your home several times etc. If still feel you want to complain you could try the Local Government Ombudsman

Lenny 28/06/2018 at 10:08 pm

Had so much trouble in the last 4 years with neighbours. Constantly suffering verbal abuse. Smashed windows but could not be proven that neighbours responsible. Always being called a grass or informant. Council don’t seem to be interested and always want to make out that I must have done something to have created the problem in first place to cause the reaction I’ve received. Police hands are tied really as a lot of what happens is a council matter and not police matter. Neighbours have been issued with 2 public order fixed penalties. An order to prevent their dog returning until they have erected a fence too. Noise monitors have been installed several times but council send warning letters to neighbours stating monitors will be used over the next 3 months. Neighbours just be fairly quiet for that period of time. Met with local councillor but didn’t help too much but was sympathetic to our plight. I feel council failed on so many levels but who do I take this complaint to? Already wrote email to council head who put me in touch with another housing officer but as I’ve said Im made to feel like it’s me that’s the problem

Debs 22/05/2018 at 12:29 pm

How do i get moved from an ongoing violent abusive next door neighbour .i am suffering here as so is my vulnerabld son who is in special needs .the neighbour got a hammer threateining my son got it videod...he got arrested ...he shouts abuse over the fence at all of us an any friends or family .he sprays my windows constantly .he waved a garden knife at my son with swearing at him .i have emailed council of all events sent videos an pictures also emailed my mp an spoke to police.hes a drunk sometimes my dogs very nervous now i cant even use my back garden as he dmshouts things an watches oit of the top window .being a anxirety sufferer im very stressed an so is my son .i want to be rehoused we cannot live like this ....we need help urgently .????

PND 22/04/2018 at 7:44 pm

Teenage neighbour keeps smoking cannabis. He is about 16 or 17. I have asked him to stop on several occasions over the past 3 years. Whenever he smokes it, if my windows are open, my house stinks of cannabis for ages. Also, in the summer I have been forced to go inside because of the smell. Over the last couple of years, I have often closed my windows or gone inside to get away from the smell of cannabis. When I have asked him to stop, he has argued that he can do what he wants in his own garden. His dad has also told my partner that he is happy for him to smoke it at home, as it is safer for him. His dad would smoke it with him. His dad no longer lives next door, but from what I'm told, his mum is happy for him to smoke it too.
Up until now, I have just put up with it, but I now have a baby. I am not willing to put baby at risk. I should not have to keep all my windows shut, and avoid using my garden forever. I have reported to police, but understand that they have much more important things to do with their time. Is there any other action I can take?? It is a leasehold property, could they be in breach of their lease? Can I take civil action against them?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/04/2018 at 9:56 am

Has your landlord (the council?) interviewed you for your side of the story? If the previous tenant was also complained about it suggests the neighbour below is the issue. It is a common problem with flats and not everyone has the same tolerance levels. It's really sad that you and your daughter are having to live your lives like this. Do you have support organisation in your area which offeres support with your mental illness? They might be able to talk to the council on your behalf and explain that you cannot be quieter even if you try and that the problem has a lot to do with your neighbour's lack of tolerance. Please don't try and cope with this yourself, seek help from other organisations (Citizens' Advice is good place to start) or your local councillor.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 18/04/2018 at 10:25 am

Unfortunately, it's difficult to do anything about this if the grass verge is part of the public highway. It might be worth looking into some kind of deterrent that might persuade the dog to urinate elsewhere?

Maz 17/04/2018 at 7:57 pm

Hello I moved into a 2bed flat above it is only 2 flat high with my now 16 old daughter 4 yes ago I am 55yrs old never been in trouble in my life never had a bad tenancy against myself Indo suffer with mental illness is PTSD bioplar panic attacks social phobia etc and it's got worst since moving here. The minute I moved in ive had nothing but complaints from the flat below me I've had warning letters from housing management and from environment health being treated with noise abatement orders now again the complaints being using a washer late at night after 10 at night also hoovering now apparartly scrapping walls late on a night since moving in ive only decorated my daughter room there is no wallpaper on the walls in the flat but they do need about of work on them I am to scared to decorate because of all complaints I have not even unpacked my clothes and other items I sleep on the sofa to. I don't use my washer after 10.00pm since moving in and itnwould be like committing suicide plus I brought a new washer which has a silent button on it I can't hear it when in my living room the latest I have hoovered is not often but before 8 - 9 pm at the latest like I say this is not often. Now I'm decorating scrapping late at night this is not true. I don't which to turn to for help on my behalf then neighbors below want the council to sound proof there flat as they told my son this I was also informed this by a council management officer 4 yrs ago when the 1st complaints started she left awhile ago I've even committed suicide and ended up in intensive care for a while this is making me feel like this again my daughter has had enough also I take it out on her and she is a good polite girl I no longer let visitors come and live like a hermit please can you advise me with some help I have now brought sound monitor to start using as I no I am not doing these reported items I also believe because of my mental health the council don't believe me

Woody 15/04/2018 at 4:17 pm

New neighbours have moved into house just across road from us and have a golden retriever dog. They are allowing dog to urinate on grass verge outside our house - the grass has now burnt and there about 20 patches - it’s a mess. All the other neighbours and ourselves take great pride in the street, cutting verges and generally maintaining. I have asked nicely to be met with a shrug of the shoulder and to be told I can’t stop my dog going to the toilet. Since then they are deliberately letting the dog use the verge which is directly outside the kitchen window. Today I asked if we had done anything wrong to be met with a threatening and aggressive response and to be told I was mad. We have lived in our house for 20 years and have never had any issues with any of the neighbours previously. I am a bit shocked and very upset. Is there anything I can do..

ProblemNeighbours Editor 28/02/2018 at 3:29 pm

Sorry it's not clear what's happened. The was has been built over 3 drains one of which is his downpipe? Did he cut the downpipe to build the wall? Is the blockage in the drain or in the downpipe? How is the water going down your house wall? Is it from the gutter? Where is your own downpipe?

Flossy 27/02/2018 at 7:13 pm

My neighbour has built a fence out the front of the property. He has built this over 3 drains one of which is his downpipe. This is blocked and coming over into my property and going down the side of my house. I have asked my neighbour to unblock it and they have refused. I feel really intimidated by my neighbour and don’t know what I can do as the council have gave planning permission for the fence to stay

CourtneyJade 22/12/2017 at 6:16 pm

My mothers neighbours who are Iranian play loud music at all stupid hours, and because off the language barrier it is difficult to even talk to them about any issues, and now because off this disbute the neighbour has smashed our window but the police can't do anything, there ignorant dogdy and disrespectful

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