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Vandalism and Property Damage

Everyone deserves to live in a neighbourhood that is safe, clean and well looked after. Deliberately damaging homes, communal areas or other people's property can cause distress, create safety risks and affect the whole community.

This page explains what we mean by vandalism and property damage, what action we can take, and how to report it. If damage has been caused deliberately, we will look into what has happened and, where appropriate, work with the police to help protect our customers and communities.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.

What we expect Tenants must not damage, deface or destroy any property — including their own home, shared areas, neighbouring properties or anything else on the estate. This applies to the tenant, anyone living in the home and any visitors. Everyone has the right to live in a safe, well-kept neighbourhood and deliberate damage to property makes communities feel unsafe and unwelcoming.
What is anti-social behaviour? Vandalism and property damage become anti-social behaviour when they are deliberate or reckless and cause harm, distress or financial loss to others. Examples include:

  • Graffiti on walls, fences, communal areas or other property
  • Smashing or breaking windows, doors or fixtures
  • Damaging communal facilities such as entry phones, lifts or lighting
  • Scratching, denting or otherwise damaging vehicles
  • Kicking, punching or throwing objects at property
  • Setting fire to bins, fencing or other items
  • Deliberate damage to a neighbour's garden, fence or belongings.

Criminal damage is also a police matter. Where there is evidence of a crime, we will work with the police.
What can we do? If a tenant, a member of their household or a visitor causes deliberate damage to property, we can take action. Depending on how serious the situation is, we may:

  • Contact the tenant and ask them to stop the behaviour
  • Require the tenant to pay for any repairs to damage they or their visitors have caused
  • Issue a formal warning
  • Work with the police to support any criminal investigation
  • Apply to the court for an injunction - a legal order requiring the tenant to stop the behaviour
  • Begin legal proceedings to take possession of the property, which could result in the tenant being evicted.
We take all reports of vandalism and property damage seriously and will investigate any concerns raised.
What you should do if you witness vandalism or property damage
  • If you are in immediate danger, call 999
  • Report criminal damage to the police by calling 101, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at Crimestoppers online
  • Contact us to report what has happened - we will look into it
  • Take photos of any damage if it is safe to do so, as these can help with any investigation
  • Keep a note of what you witnessed, including the date, time and a description of what happened
  • Do not approach anyone you believe is responsible - your safety comes first
  • Keep us up to date with any new developments.

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