'Living next door to anti-social behaviour has been hell'
Summary
James Daniel says he has faced anti-social behaviour from successive neighbours for seven years despite reporting it to agencies and sharing evidence. Housing Ombudsman data show it upheld 609 complaints about social landlords’ handling of anti-social behaviour in 2025–26, up from 159 in 2021–22.Key Facts
- Daniel said he reported incidents to police and housing provider North Devon Homes and gave them video evidence.
- The footage he shared with the BBC showed knives being thrown from a window, an argument outside his home, and a neighbour appearing to make gun gestures at a camera.
- North Devon Homes said it takes reports seriously and works with residents and partner agencies to investigate concerns and provide support.
- The Housing Ombudsman upheld 159 complaints about landlords’ handling of anti-social behaviour in 2021–22 and 609 in 2025–26.
- The Ombudsman cited poor communication, poor record keeping, and failures to use tools such as risk assessments and action plans as common failings.
- The Ombudsman can require a landlord to take action, apologize, or pay compensation when it finds a failure.
- Daniel has referred his case to the Housing Ombudsman and is awaiting a decision.
- Devon and Cornwall Police has increased its use of closure orders on residential properties to address anti-social behaviour.
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