Anti-social behaviour

It is important to Circle VHA that tenants feel safe and secure in their homes. Anti-social behaviour adversely affects the quality of life and the feeling of safety and security for a person living in their home and neighbourhood. Such behaviour can range from noise disruption to violent and threatening behaviour. We work with our tenants to both prevent and reduce such behaviour, where it occurs, by working in partnership with our tenants and local statutory and community-based agencies.

Circle VHA, in line with the Housing Act 1997, defines anti-social behaviour as involvement in activities such as the following:

• Drug dealing or activity related to drugs
• Criminal activity
• Violence toward neighbours
• Threats or intimidation of neighbours
• Threats or intimidation of Circle VHA staff or contractors
• Verbal or physical abuse
• Noise pollution – day or night
• Nuisance of any sort
• Graffiti and vandalism on properties and public areas

How to respond to anti-social behaviour

Any tenants experiencing any form of anti-social behaviour should contact the Circle VHA office, where we can offer advice and support. Tenants should also contact the local Garda station, Community Garda or the emergency Garda number.

The following information is required to aid Circle VHA in responding to the situation:

• Details on exactly when the incident happened (date / time), what happened, where it happened, who was involved, if the incident was reported to An Garda and, if so, who responded and when.
• Circle VHA advises tenants not to directly approach people involved in vandalism or anti-social behaviour. Observe what is happening and call the Garda at the local Garda station or the emergency number.
• Circle VHA will formalise the process in line with our policies and procedures.
• Circle VHA will respect your right to remain anonymous and will ensure that the complaint is treated confidentially.
• Having investigated the complaint, we will either refer the situation to An Garda, mediation services or take action against the offending tenant who has been anti-social.

If a tenant, member of the household, or visitor to the household is found to be engaging in anti-social behaviour, the tenant will be considered to be in breach of their letting agreement and this may result in the tenant being evicted.

How will Circle VHA respond to complaints of anti-social behaviour?

Firstly, Circle VHA staff will meet with the complainant regarding the concerns and complaints that they have. This is to establish the essential facts about what has occurred.

Circle VHA will then meet with the alleged perpetrator regarding the incidents reported. If the anti-social behaviour is found to be verifiable, we will issue a warning to the person who was involved in the anti-social behaviour.

Circle VHA will work with the Garda and other agencies to ensure the situation is dealt with effectively. When necessary we will take legal action against the perpetrator and repossess the dwelling.

Tenants evicted from a Circle VHA property for anti-social behaviour will be deemed to have made themselves intentionally homeless and may not be re-housed by a social housing provider.

Circle VHA, Phoenix House, 32-34 Castle Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.

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