As part of its contribution to ASB Awareness Week, the firm has published four practical guidance briefs to help landlords improve victim support, speed up cases and stop issues escalating.
Emily Hope, senior associate in Clarke Willmott’s housing management team, said: “Social housing providers face enormous pressure when dealing with ASB and the system doesn’t always make it easy.
“Our guidance this week is about giving landlords practical, realistic steps that strengthen victim support, improve case progression and prevent issues from escalating.”
Ms Hope says that in the first instance victims need steady, practical support from the moment they report an issue.
She adds: “That means listening properly, assessing risk early, helping them gather evidence and keeping communication clear throughout.
“And if a case reaches court, making sure witnesses feel prepared and supported can make all the difference.”
Clarke Willmott also highlights the impact of civil justice backlogs and the need for courts and landlords to work together to keep ASB cases moving.
“Delays in the civil justice system can leave victims waiting far too long for protection,” says senior associate Alexandra Loxton.
“A joint approach is essential: courts need the resources to list cases efficiently, and landlords need early preparation, clear priorities and good communication with witnesses.”
The firm emphasises the need to make coming forward easier, as many people feel unsure or unsupported.
“Many victims don’t report anti-social behaviour because they’re worried nothing will happen; they fear reprisals or simply don’t know who to speak to,” says Alexandra Loxton.
“Clear reporting routes, visible engagement, anonymous options and simple tools like diary sheets or noise monitoring make reporting easier.
“When people feel safe and supported, they’re far more likely to come forward.”
Finally, Emily Hope stresses the value of early intervention and prevention, encouraging landlords to act before problems escalate.
“Early engagement, informal resolution, vulnerability-based support and multi-agency working all help identify risks sooner and support tenants earlier.
“Youth interventions, good estate management and strong staff training also play a key role in preventing persistent ASB from becoming more serious and costly.”
ASB Awareness Week, coordinated by community safety charity Resolve, aims to improve how communities, agencies and individuals respond to disruptive behaviour.
