The Government has confirmed that the new anti-social behaviour (ASB) powers introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will come into effect on 26 October 2026. The changes will expand the range of enforcement options available to social housing providers and offer greater flexibility in responding to ASB.

New powers take effect from 26 October 2026

From 26 October 2026, new and amended legal remedies will come into force for Social Housing Providers to tackle ASB. These new and amended remedies include:

• Respect Orders
• Housing Injunctions
• Youth Injunctions
• Extension of Closure Order powers so that Registered Providers of Social Housing will be able to apply for Closure Orders

What does this mean for Social Landlords?

These changes give social landlords a stronger and more flexible toolkit for dealing with ASB. The new powers are designed to address some of the limitations of the current toolkit and provide more effective options where existing remedies have not always worked to prevent ASB effectively.

The County Court will continue to deal with Housing Injunction applications and will also hear applications for Respect Orders. Judges will have discretion to decide which order is most appropriate based on the circumstances and evidence in each case.

Respect Orders

Respect Orders are one of the most significant changes introduced by the Act.

Applications can be made to the County Court, including on a without-notice basis where appropriate. Orders can prohibit certain behaviour, exclude an individual from their home or a particular area, and require them to take positive steps aimed at addressing the underlying causes of their behaviour.

Importantly, breaching a Respect Order will be a criminal offence, with enforcement being led by the police and Crown Prosecution Service.

Risk Assessments

Before applying for a Respect Order, landlords will be required to carry out a risk assessment to ensure that its use is both proportionate and appropriate.

The assessment should consider:

• The impact of the ASB on victims and others affected;
• Any vulnerabilities of the individual involved;
• Alternative measures that could address the behaviour; and
• Any other relevant circumstances.

Further guidance from the Government is expected in due course.

Housing Injunctions

Housing Injunctions will replace the current Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI).

Applications will continue to be made through the County Court, and social landlords will retain key powers, including the ability to:

• Apply without notice where necessary;
• Seek exclusion provisions; and
• Request powers of arrest.

For many landlords, the new Housing Injunction will feel familiar and will remain an important tool in tackling ASB.

Youth Injunctions

Youth Injunctions are aimed at individuals aged between 10 and 18 who are involved in anti-social behaviour.

Applications will be made in the Youth Court and, for on-notice applications, consultation requirements must first be satisfied.

Unlike other injunctions, a young person cannot be excluded from their home, and any injunction granted can remain in force for a maximum of 12 months.

Extension of Closure order Powers to Registered Providers

From 26 October 2026, Registered Providers will be able to issue Closure Notices and apply for Closure Orders in relation to properties they own or manage.

This power was previously limited to the police and local authorities.

The notice period for a Closure Notice will also increase from 48 hours to 72 hours.

These changes will allow landlords to take swift action where a property is linked to serious nuisance, disorder or criminal activity. A Closure Order can initially last for up to three months and may provide valuable breathing space while longer-term solutions are explored.

How Capsticks can help

As social landlords prepare for these changes, it will be important to review existing ASB procedures and ensure staff understand when the new remedies may be appropriate. Our expert team of Housing Management lawyers can support you by:

• reviewing tenancy agreements and policies;
• advising on suitability of options
• delivering tailored training for housing management teams.

If you have any questions related to this insight and how Capsticks can help your organisation, please contact Partner Sarah Christy.