UNDERSTANDING ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

Understanding antisocial behaviour and what you can do about it

If you're renting your home in Northern Ireland and experiencing disruption from neighbours or distressing behaviour nearby, it can feel difficult to know where to turn. This blog will help you understand what counts as antisocial behaviour (ASB), what doesn’t, and how you can report it. Whether it’s persistent noise or more serious harassment, knowing your rights and options is the first step in resolving the issue.

What is antisocial behaviour?

Antisocial behaviour refers to actions that cause, or are likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to people outside the offender’s household. In a rented home, this can include anything from verbal abuse to repeated noise complaints.

Examples of antisocial behaviour include:

• Using or threatening violence
• Abusive or insulting language
• Damaging or threatening to damage property
• Playing loud music late at night
• Regular disturbances or rowdy visitors
• Graffiti on buildings or public areas
• Ongoing arguments or shouting
• Racist or discriminatory behaviour

These types of behaviour go beyond everyday annoyances; they seriously impact your quality of life and are taken seriously by authorities.

What isn’t considered antisocial behaviour?

Some issues can feel frustrating but aren’t classed as antisocial behaviour under the law. These include:

• Children playing
• Babies crying or normal household noise
• Cooking smells
• Doors closing, footsteps, or people using stairs
• One-off events like BBQs or birthday parties (as long as they don’t cause major disruption)
• Lifestyle or cultural differences
• Minor disagreements or annoyances
• Bin days or parking mix-ups

If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Is this behaviour persistent, threatening, or seriously affecting my wellbeing?

What to do if you're affected by antisocial behaviour

1. Keep a record

Note down each incident with dates, times, and details. If safe and appropriate, gather supporting evidence like photos or a noise diary. This will help if the issue needs escalating.

2. Speak to your landlord or letting agent

Let them know what’s happening in writing (email is fine). Include your records and explain how the behaviour is affecting you. Landlords have a responsibility to manage behaviour in their properties and should act when issues are raised.

3. Contact your local council

In Northern Ireland, your local council’s Environmental Health team can investigate certain issues such as noise, nuisance, and neighbour disputes. You can find contact information for your local council here.

4. Call the police if it’s serious

If the behaviour involves violence, threats, or criminal damage, you should contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Call 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if you feel in immediate danger.

5. Get support

While Northern Ireland doesn't currently have a dedicated ASB charity like ASB Help in England, you can still seek advice from:

• Housing Rights NI: housingrights.org.uk
• Community support hubs or local councillors

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Antisocial behaviour can have a real impact on your wellbeing, but there is support available. Keep records, speak up, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your home should be a safe, peaceful place to live.

About TDSNI

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme NI is part of The Dispute Service (TDS), the leading tenancy deposit protection and resolution service provider in the UK making life easier for tens of thousands of agents, landlords, developers, and millions of tenants and homebuyers. TDS is a not-for-profit company with offices in Hemel Hempstead, Glasgow, and Belfast.

For more information visit https://www.tdsnorthernireland.com/home/.