Brent Housing Partnership wants you to enjoy your home in peace and comfort, free from nuisance and harassment.

Irresponsible behaviour on the part of a minority of tenants disturbs their neighbours and can lead to a great deal of stress. Tenants should show consideration and tolerance towards each other and aim to resolve any disagreements between themselves, before involving anyone else.

Anti-social behaviour

Brent Housing Partnership now has a specialist team namely the anti-social behaviour team, who deal with all nuisances and all forms of anti-social behavior, including harassment and domestic violence.

Graffiti, vandalism and damage to council property

Any type of graffiti, vandalism or damage to council property is not only in breach of the tenancy agreement but the perpetrator will also be liable to prosecution by the police. Criminal damage includes damage to the block or the estate and the property of residents who live on the estate.

If you witness anyone causing damage to council property, you should immediately contact your housing officer and/or the police.

Obstructing communal areas

Dumping rubbish on communal balconies, staircases or landings, in corridors, entrance areas or any shared areas, can cause nuisance or danger to others.

All household rubbish should be put in the bins provided. Blocking communal areas by leaving gas cylinders, washing, rubbish, prams, fridges, bicycles or other objects in the way, is in breach of the tenancy agreement and can represent a serious fire hazard. These items will be removed and you will be charged for this.

If you, your family or visitors to your home are found to be loitering in communal areas thereby creating a nuisance and annoyance to others, you will be deemed to be in breach of your tenancy and action will be taken against you.

Criminal activity

Examples of criminal activity include drug dealing and usage, prostitution and handling stolen goods. As well as being in breach of the tenancy agreement, these acts are against the law.

If you suspect a neighbour of committing these crimes, please voice your concerns directly to your housing officer or the police. BHP is working with the police to ensure that we are tough on crime.

Domestic abuse

Everyone has the right to live in a safe environment, free from abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, neglect or abuse, either emotional or sexual, you can contact the Community Safety Unit at your local police station. BHP provides confidential advice and assistance.

Noise nuisance

Noise is a common problem amongst our residents. Some noise is tolerable and inevitable in a densely populated environment, but it becomes a nuisance when its level and frequency make an unreasonable invasion on your right to peace and quiet.

Noise nuisance can range from playing loud music or listening to the television at unreasonable levels, to shouting or slamming doors loudly and inconsiderate use of electrical appliances. Removing flooring such as carpets or installing wooden/laminate flooring can seriously reduce the effectiveness of the sound insulation of your property and cause annoyance to your neighbours. Playing your car radio loudly whilst leaving or arriving at the car park for your property, especially at night, can also cause annoyance to your neighbours.

Brent Council's Environmental Services Division operates a special service to deal with noise complaints and this includes a "Noise / party patrol" to deal with noise nuisance at night.