Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) is any kind of nuisance, unreasonable behaviour or harassment which causes alarm or distress to others. For more information, you can download our ASB Policy here: Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 2023[pdf] 124KB
The types of conduct that may amount to anti-social behaviour include (but are not limited to):
The types of conduct that we would not normally investigate as anti-social behaviour include (but are not limited to):
Graffiti is a problem worldwide. It is classed as criminal damage and is therefore a crime.
It can be offensive, but by working together we can try and wipe the majority of it out and deal with the offenders. Regulations under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 enable local authorities in England and Wales to issue £80 on-the-spot fines for graffiti.
In line with our service standards our caretaking team aim to clear graffiti within 24 hours with our specialist products, however if the graffiti is stubborn to remove or covering a vast area we may paint the entire damaged area within seven days.
How to report it
Contact South Essex Homes on antisocialbehaviour@seh.southend.gov.uk or 0800 833163, email the Caretaking team on estateservices@seh.southend.gov.uk or report it via our online ASB form.
If you are concerned about the noise levels coming from next door, then often the best way to deal with the problem is to go to the source and talk to the person causing the problem.
Most problems can be solved amicably without the need for further action. You may feel anxious about approaching your neighbour but they may be unaware that they are the source of a problem. When approached, often they will be embarrassed about the nuisance they have been causing and will be more considerate in future. It is important to do this as early as possible before the problem spirals out of control.
Having a quiet word
Be careful
Before you approach your neighbour, it is important to assess the risk to your personal safety and property. If you feel frightened or intimidated by your neighbour and you are worried that they may respond aggressively, then approaching them to complain may not be the best option for you.
If this is the case, check whether your neighbours are tenants. It is contained within the Conditions of Tenancy that tenants must not cause nuisance to neighbours and your Tenancy Services Officer will be able to assist in such cases.
Mediation Services
If you get a negative response from your neighbour and the noise continues, the next step in solving your problem would be to consider mediation. Your Tenancy Services Officer will be able to make the appropriate referral, please contact us on 0800 833 160.
Southend-on-Sea City Council
You may also like to visit the Southend-on-Sea City Council web pages relating to Noise Pollution, which you can access by clicking here: Noise pollution – Southend-on-Sea City Council
You can report any ASB that you experience or witness 24 hours a day, using the telephone number or email address below:
Report using our online form
Please complete this online reporting form to report anti social behaviour that you experience or witness.
Report ASB or a Hate Crime/IncidentIf it is an urgent incident currently in progress (where property is in the process of being damaged or if there is any immediate threat) then please call the police on 999.
When completing the form, please provide as much detail as possible in order for us to arrange the best response.
If you feel a crime has been committed (but is not happening at the moment), please also report it to police on 101 and make note of the incident number.
South Essex Homes are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour across our communities, ensuring our customers feel safe in their homes. We recognise that ASB can have a significant impact on the lives of our customers and can have a disruptive effect on our communities.
We take ASB seriously and are committed to supporting our customers to resolve the issues, taking proportionate action where necessary using tools available to us as a social landlord. We will need to take a multi-agency approach with some reports, for example drug dealing or noise nuisance, and will offer you the appropriate support to refer this to then and take action where we have the evidence.
For details of what you can expect when reporting anti-social behaviour or a hate crime/incident to us, please refer to our Anti-Social Behaviour & Hate Crime Service Standard: Anti Social Behaviour and Hate Crime/Incident Service Standard | South Essex Homes
If you are unhappy with the response to your ASB case then you may be eligible to request an ASB Case Review, find out more here: ASB Case Review | South Essex Homes
At South Essex Homes, we're committed to creating safe and supportive communities. This case shows how we worked closely with a vulnerable resident and our partner agencies to tackle serious anti-social behaviour (ASB) and make sure everyone involved received the help they needed.
We received reports of ongoing ASB at one of our properties. Neighbours told us about drug use, loud noise, and threatening behaviour linked to the address. In response, a Housing Support Officer and our Complex Needs and Enforcement Officer made joint visits to the home. They spoke with the tenant, issued warnings, and also offered support - including help with rent arrears.
It became clear that the tenant needed more than just enforcement. They were struggling with their mental health and needed extra support. We quickly referred them for advocacy services (someone to speak on their behalf) and a Care Act assessment to explore the help they were entitled to.
Mental health services got involved early on, and a social worker was assigned to the tenant. We held regular multi-agency meetings to make sure everyone involved was working together to support the resident in the best way. At the same time, we took action to make the area safer. The police stepped in when unauthorised visitors kept returning to the property. Their involvement led to arrests, and we made weekly welfare calls to concerned neighbours to keep them updated and reassured.
We also helped the tenant with their finances - working with benefit services to secure extra support through a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). A request for a management move was also submitted to help the tenant leave the difficult situation behind.
Unfortunately, the tenant was later assaulted, which showed just how unsafe the situation had become. With support from Essex Police, we arranged an emergency move to get them to safety, and soon after, we supported them in accepting a new permanent home where they could feel safe and supported.
This case showed how powerful it can be when different organisations come together to help someone in crisis. Thanks to close teamwork between South Essex Homes, Adult Social Care, mental health services, advocacy teams, and the police, we were able to protect a vulnerable person, reduce disruption for neighbours, and find a long-term solution for everyone.
South Essex Homes was made aware of serious concerns about one of our residents. Other tenants had noticed signs of hoarding and were worried about the person's safety and wellbeing. Many different services had tried to help, but no one had been able to gain access to the property or speak with the individual.
When the case was referred to our Complex Needs team, we knew a more focused approach was needed. Working closely with Adult Social Care and other partners, we launched a coordinated response to support the resident. We stepped up efforts to make contact - visiting early in the morning and late in the evening to increase our chances of speaking with them. We also reached out to family members to help build trust.
After six months of patient and consistent engagement, we were able to build a relationship with the resident. Eventually, they agreed to allow us inside the property to begin a deep clean and clearance. During the clean-up, we discovered a serious pest infestation, which posed a risk to the wider building. To keep everyone safe and ensure the resident could begin to recover in a healthier environment, we arranged a safe and supported move.
Since relocating, the resident has been receiving ongoing support to help them manage their home and look after their wellbeing. They've also started to reconnect with neighbours and local services, reducing the isolation they had previously experienced. This case shows how important it is to be patient, persistent, and compassionate - and how we can make real progress when services work together and put the person at the heart of the process.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hoarding, anti-social behaviour, or is in need of extra support, please don't wait. Get in touch with South Essex Homes - our teams are here to listen, support you, and work together to find a solution that puts your safety and wellbeing first.
At South Essex Homes, eviction is always a last resort. Our priority is to help residents stay in their homes by working with them and alongside our partner agencies to provide the right support at the right time. However, we will not hesitate to take firm action when it's necessary to protect the safety and wellbeing of others in the community.
South Essex Homes are members of the Southend Community Safety Partnership (SCSP), a group of statutory and commissioned bodies to provide a coordinated response to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in Southend. The SCSP can help you with advocacy and provide information on the ASB Case Review process. Find out more at https://southendcsp.org.uk/
Contact Victim Support, the national charity that provides free and independent practical and emotional support to victims of crime or traumatic incidents. Victims can access their services regardless of when the crime happened or if the police are involved: