Complaints and legal action
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
This section provides information about different options for resolving disputes about your home. Which of these options is most appropriate will depend on what the problem is, who is at fault, and what has already been done to put it right.
How to get legal advice and representation
Taking action to enforce your rights is often complicated and can be stressful. Getting proper legal advice and help at court could increase your chances of getting the outcome you want.
Legal costs
Getting legal advice and representation costs money and can be expensive. However, you might be entitled to financial help.
Alternatives to going to court
It's often cheaper and easier to sort out disputes without going to court. Find out how negotiation, mediation and arbitration work, and when to use them.
Complaints
Explains how to make a complaint, with tips on what to say. Covers complaints about councils, housing associations and private landlords, agents, lenders, freeholders, and solicitors.
Tribunals
A tribunal deals with certain types of disagreement, which cannot be taken to a regular court. The main housing-related tribunals are part of the Residential Property Tribunal Service (RPTS)
Court action
Information about what's involved in going to court, whether you're responding to someone else's claim, or want to start one yourself.
Discrimination in housing
Discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability or age - find out what the law says
Advice for prisoners and ex-offenders
In prison or on release, find where to get help if you are a prisoner or ex-offender needing a place to live, help keeping your home or have money worries.
