Complaints
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
This section explains how and when it may be appropriate to make a complaint, and gives tips on what to say. It covers complaints about all types of landlords, lenders, freeholders, solicitors and agents.
When to complain
Explains when a complaint is the best option, and who you should send your complaint to.
How to complain
Outlines how complaints procedures usually work and gives tips on what to say.
Complaints about councils
How to complain if you are not satisfied with the services you have received from your local council. Includes complaints by council tenants.
Complaints about housing associations
You can complain about a housing association using the association’s formal complaints procedure. If you are not satisfied, the Housing Ombudsman Service may consider your complaint.
Complaints about private landlords
If complaining to your landlord gets you nowhere, the council's tenancy relations officer or environmental health department may be able to help.
Complaints about lenders
How to complain to your lender and, if necessary, the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Complaints about freeholders
Flat owners and other leaseholders can complaint direct to their freeholder, contact the environmental health officer or use their legal rights.
Complaints about solicitors
Explains the different ways in which you may be able to make a complaint about a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.
Complaints about estate agents
Explains how to complain to the Trading Standards Officer or the Office of Fair Trading.
Complaints about letting agents
You can complain to your landlord or to the letting agent themselves. If you are not happy with the response, you may be able to complain further to a professional association
Complaints about managing agents
Leaseholders can complain about a managing agent in a number of ways.
Complaining to professional membership schemes
If you are unhappy with an estate agent, letting agent or managing agent, there may be a professional membership association that you can complain to.


