Reporting Anti Social Behaviour and Neighbour Nuisance

Everyone has the right to peaceful enjoyment of their home and to live undisturbed by other people's behaviour and activities.  It is the Council's duty to ensure that you can enjoy that right. 

If the behaviour of neighbours causes you harassment, alarm or distress then the Council's Crime and Nuisance Action Team (CANAcT) can help to protect you and other neighbours from the worst cases of anti-social behaviour.

What can I do?

The first step is to try and resolve the issue yourself by speaking directly to the person causing the problem. In most cases, if you ask politely, they will stop and the problem will be solved. If this approach doesn't resolve your problem or you feel that you cannot approach the person involved then it is important that you don't suffer in silence.

If you are a Council or Housing Association tenant

You should report any neighbour nuisance to your housing officers, and they will carry out an initial investigation.  They will evaluate the case and refer the case to an appropriate service if required, for example mediation service, Environmental Health or CANAcT.

If you are an owner-occupier

You should contact the service you feel is most appropriate i.e. the police, Environmental Health or CANAcT. Whoever you contact will judge the case on it's individual merits and refer you to the relevant agency.

If you are a private sector tenant

You should report the matter to your landlord, and, if this does not achieve satisfactory results, you should contact the service you feel is most appropriate i.e. the police, Environmental Health or CANAcT.  Whoever you contact will judge the case on it's individual merit and refer you to the relevant agency.

If you live in a hostel or bed and breakfast accommodation

You should raise the matter with the Homelessness Team if you have been placed in this accommodation by them or the Environmental Health service. Either of these teams at Oxford City Council can then contact the Crime and Nuisance Action Team (CANAcT), or recommend mediation if that is appropriate.

Page last reviewed 9 Jun 2009