Everyone has the right to enjoy life in their own way, if they do not upset other people who live nearby. Being a good neighbour can have many advantages, and a friendly "hello" is always better than an exchange of heated words.
Neighbours can easily disturb one another without realising it or meaning to. However, you should try to be considerate towards your neighbours and those who live around you.
Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) is any behaviour that disrupts the peace and comfort of other tenants and residents or adversely affects their health and safety. ASB can be anything that prevents another person from enjoying their home, garden, estate or neighbourhood.
ASB can be reported against an individual or group.
So ASB is another name for being a bad neighbour!
A team has been established to tackle the problem of serious Anti-Social Behaviour. This team
works closely with local housing staff and Police to resolve any problems.
Council tenants and leaseholders can contact their Local Housing Team, who will investigate the complaint. They will involve the specialist Anti-Social Behaviour Team where necessary.
If we are unable to act on your behalf, we may be able to refer you to another agency or advise you what action you can take.
ASB may be reported on the Council website or on 0121 368 1166 and selecting the relevant option number.
The Council will not normally become involved in neighbour disputes or family feuds unless they directly affect the wider community.
Some examples of ASB are:
- Noise
- Dumping rubbish
- Use of threatening or violent behaviour to neighbours
- Racist abuse or graffiti
- Causing damage to a neighbour's home or property
Noise
Noise is the most common type of nuisance, so be considerate about the amount of noise you make, especially late at night.
If you find that your neighbours regularly disturb you, you should speak to them and politely ask them to be more considerate.
If this fails, or you feel you cannot approach your neighbour, contact your Local Housing Team who will be able to help if the problem continues.
Harassment
Harassment differs from nuisance in that it is a deliberate action to cause annoyance or distress to an individual, family or group and is usually carried out repeatedly.
All leaseholders are held responsible for the acts of their children and visitors to their home. If a leaseholder's children harass a neighbour or a neighbour's children, the Council will act against the leaseholder.
In all cases of harassment, we work very closely with other agencies, notably the Police, and share information to act against the people causing the problem.
What should I do if I am being harassed?
If you are experiencing harassment you should report this immediately to Local Housing Team. If the harassment involves violence, threats, damage to your property or other criminal acts,
it is important that you contact the Police immediately and keep a record of your complaint. You should note any incident numbers given by the Police.
What about violence towards staff?
You are responsible for the behaviour of every person (including children) living in or visiting your home. The Council will not tolerate violence, threats of violence or abusive language towards any of their staff, contractors or agents, and will support prosecution of anyone who assaults their employees when carrying out their work.
Residents who threaten or assault staff, contractors or agents of the Council could face forfeiture proceedings.
Keeping Pets
Only domestic pets can be kept in council properties. There are restrictions on the number of pets we will allow, and you cannot keep a pet that is likely to cause a nuisance to your neighbours or other visitors to your property.
For further details, please refer to your lease agreement, or contact your Local Housing Team.
Pest Control
A free service is available for the treatment of rats, mice, fleas, cockroaches and bed bugs.
Advice is also available on the control of non-public health pests, including insects such as bees, wasps, ants, earwigs and silver fish.
Contact your Environmental Health via the Council's website or on 0121 368 1177 for more details.
Car parking
You may only park taxed, roadworthy vehicles on our land. You must not park any vehicle on grassed areas. You should only park vehicles in garages, in designated parking areas, or on a proper driveway.
You can help us keep Sandwell tidy by reporting any abandoned vehicles on your estate.
Your lease does not include a specific right to park on any communal car park.
Looking after your garden
It is your responsibility to look after your own garden if you have an exclusive garden.
Overgrown gardens are not only an eyesore; they can also cause problems for your neighbours.
You must not store any bulky or unsightly items in your garden.
You must seek permission from Sandwell MBC before parking large items such as trailers on your garden.
Bulky Items
Arrangements can be made to collect bulky refuse from outside your home. There is a charge for this service. Each household with someone over 60 is entitled to one free collection of bulky waste of up to four items or one fridge/freezer in any twelve-month period. To arrange a collection contact 0121 368 1177 or use MySandwell.
If you live in a block of flats, either ask the janitor, concierge or the Local Housing Team if there is somewhere they can be placed awaiting removal.
Never block communal walkways, stairwells, or communal areas.
Running a business
No part of the property or its Common Parts may be used to run a business.
Community Information
Bogus Callers
Some criminals trick their way into homes, so they can steal.
This simple guide may help you avoid this problem.
DO
- Use a door chain and spy hole if you have one
- Ask callers for their identity card
- Refuse entry to a stranger or someone you are not sure of
- Ring the Police if you are not sure about the claims of someone calling at the door
DO NOT
- Allow anyone into YOUR home if you are not happy about them
- Believe that someone who is claiming to be an official without the proper identification
- Part with cash on the promise that work will be done in the future
- Keep more money in your property than you need
Always check that officials visiting your home are genuine.
Visiting Council officers will be able to show you identification. Make sure you ask to see it before you permit entry to your property.
Remember, a genuine caller will never mind you taking precautions.