There are various formal and informal remedies available to help manage nuisance.

It is best to gather as much information as possible to assess the next steps.

Gathering information - Housing

Neighbourhood housing officers (NHOs)

• NHOs may be the first point of contact when there is a problem.  Good conversations with both/all parties will help assess the issue.  If, after all other avenues had been explored and a case needed to be progressed to court NHOs can attend either as a direct witness of nuisance or to provide ‘hearsay evidence’.

Residential security patrol (housing patrol)

• Both the security patrol and out of hours patrol (see below) provide a useful service for housing staff who generally would be unable to witness incidents of nuisance outside of working hours. 
• The resident security patrol operates a mobile patrol service during the hours of 4pm to 4am Monday to Sunday.   They can be contacted on 020 7974 4444.  They respond to noise issues from Camden residential properties only.

Caretakers

• Caretaking staff often are the eyes and ears on an estate and may be the first person to complain about nuisance that they have witnessed.  Again, if necessary they can also attend court. When doing so consideration should be given to their safety on the estate.
• Caretakers complete incident reports relating to antisocial behaviour. These may include incidents reported to them.  These reports are passed to NHO’s and may be used in legal action.

Noise diaries

• These can be offered to P1 after initial contact or at any point afterwards.  
  However, these may not suit everyone and if someone has difficulty filling in forms, especially if under stress from noise, alternative means of recording e.g. Noise apps can be considered.
• Noise diaries are a personal account of what P1 sees and hears and the effect it has on them.  If they are good quality they can form basis of evidence for further action if that is needed and can be used in court.
• Ideally, where possible, P1 would complete at the time of the noise occurring and over a period of time. So, if, for example, the case is referred to regulatory services the officers can assess any pattern and frequency of the nuisance.