Complaints about private landlords

If you are having problems with a private landlord, there are a number of ways to resolve a complaint.

Complain to your landlord

Complain to your landlord in writing and tell them:

• you are making a complaint

• what you are complaining about

• how they can resolve the problem

Some landlords have a complaints procedure. Use it if they have one.

Your landlord could:

• investigate

• ask questions

• ask you to send copies of documents

• inspect your home

The landlord should write to you to tell you the result.

Complain to or about a letting agent

You can complain to a letting agent if they manage your home on your landlord's behalf.

If the letting agent doesn't respond or you are not happy with the outcome, you can make a complaint to a letting agent redress scheme.

Complain to the council's tenancy relations officer

Some councils have a tenancy relations officer who can help if your landlord is breaking the law.

They may get involved if your landlord:

• harasses you

• evicts you illegally or threatens to do so

They can contact your landlord and explain the law to them. They can prosecute the landlord if the landlord ignores their advice.

Ask your local council for information about tenancy relations.

Complain to environmental health

Contact your council's environmental health department if there is a health and safety hazard in your home that your landlord should fix.

This could include:

• dangerous electrical wiring or gas pipes or appliances

• dangerous structural disrepair

• damp and mould

• asbestos

Environmental health can inspect your home and make a decision.

They can contact the landlord informally to request that work is done or issue a formal order for the landlord to carry out work.