ASB – Know your rights!

This week it’s ASB Awareness Week and the theme this year is ‘know your rights’.

With 94% of people not knowing what an ASB case review is, we want to make sure you have the information you need so that you know your rights.

What is an ASB case review?

The ASB case review (formally known as the community trigger) gives victims of ongoing, persistent ASB reported to any of the main responsible agencies (such as the council, police, housing provider) the right to request a multi-agency case review. The criteria to raise an ASB case review is defined by the local authority.

You can apply if:

• Three or more complaints have been made to us in the previous six months
• The ASB is persisting
• There is harm or potential harm caused by the ASB
• There is an inadequate response to the ASB by us.

To activate a ASB case review, you’ll need to contact your local council, letting them know either:

• The three times you have reported this issue already, or
• The names of four other people who have also reported the issue.

Information on each local authority’s ASB case review can be found below:

Crawley ASB case review   Epsom and Ewell ASB case review Horsham ASB case review  Mid Sussex ASB case review   Mole Valley ASB case review   Reigate and Banstead ASB case reviewSutton ASB case review   Tandridge ASB case review

 

What can I do about ASB before proceeding to case review?

We understand that living with neighbours causing ASB is difficult and has a huge impact on your mental wellbeing. You can tell us about issues of ASB by reporting on your MyRaven online account or by calling 0300 123 3399.

Our first suggestion is to have a conversation with your neighbour about the impact their behaviour is having on you and other members of the community. Most people don’t realise they’re causing a problem, so you might find that they are reasonable if you speak to them about it. Try to remain calm as you’re more likely to get a positive response this way. If you’re still unable to reach an agreement, mediation might help. We work closely with Mediation Surrey and Mediation West Sussex.

If this isn’t possible then start keeping a diary of instances of ASB and encourage neighbours to do the same. You can speak to one of our tenancy enforcement officers for advice on keeping a diary and gathering evidence.

 

For more information about how we handle complaints of ASB, click here.