What action can we take?

The action we take depends on how serious the problem is and the available evidence. We will always try to resolve a case at a ‘low level’ in the first instance. For example, it might only take a ‘quiet word’ with the person causing the problem to remind them that what they are doing is unacceptable. We can refer the case for mediation where it looks possible that you and they can come to an agreement and settle your differences. We have an arrangement with MESH Community Mediation Services, which is a local organisation specialising in resolving conflict. We can give verbal/written warnings and escalate these to more formal actions, such as breach-of-tenancy Cautions and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs). We can refer a case to a Community Justice Panel if someone who has been involved in anti-social behaviour is prepared to acknowledge the harm they have caused and make amends to their victim and the wider community.  There is more information about Community Justice Panels below. A Notice of Seeking Possession (NSP) can be served on a tenant who continues to cause harassment or antisocial behaviour. This is the first legal step towards repossessing their property (eviction). In serious cases, we may serve an NSP straight away without any prior warnings.

Community Justice Panels

Community Justice Panels are a unique way of tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and re-offending. They bring victims and wrongdoers together to resolve conflict and address the harm caused by crime and anti-social behaviour.   They can be an alternative to taking enforcement action (such as Injunctions) but are not a soft option either as they make the offender face up to the impact of what they have done. 

We can refer a case to a Community Justice Panel where those involved feel it would be best way to resolve the problem.  More information about Community Justice Panels can be found on Sheffield City Council’s website. 

Taking Legal Action

We have several legal powers available to force someone to stop engaging in anti-social behaviour and harassment.

Although we try to resolve problems without taking anyone to court, we will not hesitate to use these powers where tenants have caused serious incidents, or continued to do so after they have been warned not to. If we take someone to court, we will normally need you to give evidence to help us prove that a legal order is necessary.

We understand that this can be a worrying and difficult thing to do and we place a high priority on supporting witnesses through the experience. We will always talk to you about the support you will need prior to taking any legal action.

Contact us if you would like further information about any of these powers.

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