Understanding anti-social behaviour We understand that getting along with neighbours can be challenging sometimes, but in any community, there needs to be a level of tolerance between neighbours. It’s important for tenants to understand if their neighbour’s behaviour has potentially breached tenancy law as this determines if and how Housing Choices can assist with neighbour issues.
What IS anti-social behaviour?
What is NOT anti-social behaviour? Sometimes tenants experience neighbour issues that are not a breach of tenancy which can include: • annoying or unusual behaviours that are different to your own behaviours or standards. • noise or activity associated with daily life (children playing, televisions or radios, power tools or lawn mowers). • differences with your neighbours that are unrelated to your tenancy (friend or family disputes).
Anti-social behaviour is behaviour by a neighbour that breaches the Residential Tenancies ACT (WA) 1987 and can include: • violence, assault or harassment • intimidation or offensive behaviour • illicit drug dealing, theft or vandalism • arson or graffiti • verbal abuse or domestic violence • continual trespassing • ongoing excessive noise.
What to do if you have a neighbour issue Before you contact us, we encourage you to follow these steps:
If safe to do so, talk with your neighbour first • Remain calm and explain what the problem is so they are aware. • Ask for alternative options or solutions that both of you can agree to. • Do not escalate the issue or retaliate if you can’t agree.
Report the incident where appropriate • In an emergency or life-threating situation call 000 immediately. • For non-emergency matters that need police attendance call 131 444 . • To report criminal activity or suspicious behaviour anonymously call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 . • If the issue is pet or noise related you can report your concerns to your local council.
Keep written records • Write down each incident when it occurs. • Stick to the facts when describing the event, include where, when, and who was involved at the time. • Note how it affected you and what actions you took in response at the time e.g., reported incident to Council or Police.
If you are still unsure how to manage your neighbour issue, please contact your Tenancy Officer so we can support you with ways to manage the problem.
A complaint can then be made to Housing Choices with the evidence of the issue (police or council report number and incident diaries), and we can investigate whether the issue is a breach of tenancy.
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