As our tenant, you have the right to enjoy your home in peace. As do your neighbours. We take a tough line with people who behave badly in or around our properties, or who harass other people.

Definition

We consider someone's behaviour to be anti-social if it upsets, annoys or hurts other people or if it involves damage to property. Anti-social behaviour can take many forms, some more serious than others. Some examples include:

• thoughtless behaviour, such as making too much noise, dumping rubbish or cars, or not keeping pets under control
• neighbour disputes
• graffiti, vandalism or damage to property
• criminal behaviour, such as selling drugs, prostitution, or attacking or threatening people

Harassment

We will not tolerate the abuse or harassment of any tenant because of their gender, sexuality, race, religion, disability or for any other reason. If you are being threatened or harassed in any way, we will treat this as a case of anti-social behaviour.

Working together to tackle anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is a community problem. Wherever possible, we will support you and your communities to solve the problems for yourselves. When you solve minor problems yourselves, it leaves us free to handle the most serious cases. It also brings people together.

New Initiative: Stand against crime

Do you know a resident or group in the London Borough of Hounslow who has worked hard to make their community safer?

Octavia are supporting Hounslow Community Safety Partnership in their new initiative - Taking a Stand Awards.  We would like to recognise and reward those people who are willing to stand up for their neighbours and tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in their area.

These new awards will be held annually, with the overall winner being presented with a certificate and cheque. Three other winners will also receive certificates. All winners will be entered into the National Respect Award.

So, do you know a local group that has cleaned up its patch, or an individual who has selflessly given up their own time to help rid their community of crime?

Do you know a residents group that has worked hand-in-hand with their police safer neighbourhood team on a successful project, or a neighbourhood watch scheme that has thwarted crime.

If so - nominate them! We must receive your nominations by 14 August 2008 to be in with a chance.