Managing Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Living in a community means hearing everyday sounds, like kids playing or people coming and going. But under tenancy laws, everyone has the right to enjoy their home in peace, comfort, and privacy.

Mission Australia Housing (MAH) is committed to supporting safe, respectful communities. When behaviour affects others’ wellbeing or breaches tenancy agreements, it may be considered Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

Anti-social behaviour can range from minor disruptions to serious incidents. At Mission Australia Housing, we group ASB into three categories:

• Nuisance behaviour – everyday disruptions that can become frustrating if they happen often.
• Disruptive behaviour – repeated actions that disturb others or breach tenancy conditions.
• Serious or illegal behaviour – incidents that threaten safety or may involve criminal activity.

The following sections explain each type in more detail, with examples and what you can do.

These behaviours aren’t usually dangerous or illegal but can be frustrating or disruptive, especially if they happen often.

Examples include:

• Loud music or TV at night
• Noisy children playing
• Slamming doors
• Overgrown gardens
• Pet noise or mess

What you can do:

• Try a respectful chat with your neighbour
• Keep records of dates, times, and what happened
• Speak to your housing officer for support
• Contact tenant advocacy or legal aid if needed

This includes ongoing or repeated actions that disturb others or breach tenancy conditions.

Examples include:

• Loud arguments, shouting, or offensive language
• Repeated disturbances affecting peace or privacy
• Ignoring requests to stop disruptive behaviour
• Excessive noise or nuisance from pets

What you can do:

• Talk to your housing officer
• Keep a record of incidents
• Seek support from advocacy or legal services

These are behaviours that threaten safety or may involve criminal activity. They are taken very seriously and may lead to formal action.

Examples include:

• Drug dealing, assault, or other criminal activity
• Threats or violence toward neighbours, staff, or contractors
• Harassment or intimidation
• Major or deliberate property damage
• Behaviour that could lead to criminal charges

What you can do:

• Keep a record of what happened
• Contact your housing officer for support
• If you witness illegal activity, call Police Assistance Line: 131 444
• If you’re in danger or threatened, call 000 immediately

Early resolution

We encourage respectful conversations between neighbours and offer guidance to help resolve minor issues.

Fair and respectful process

We handle all reports with care and fairness. When a concern is raised, we speak with those involved and review the facts. We listen to everyone involved before making a decision.

Support services

We may connect tenants with support services to help manage challenges and maintain their tenancy.

Formal action

If anti-social behaviour continues or escalates, MAH may take formal steps under tenancy laws. This can include:

• Issuing breach or warning notices
• Asking tenants to pay for damage
• Applying to end the tenancy in serious cases

We aim to resolve issues respectfully and constructively, but we also have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all tenants and the community.

For threats, violence, or criminal activity, we may involve emergency services and take legal action to protect the safety of everyone.

Privacy matters: We keep your personal information private unless the law or safety rules say we must share it.

See our Anti-Social Behaviour Policy for more information.