Complain about your private landlord
The law is changing
The Renters' Rights Act is now law.
For now, your rights stay the same.
Your rights in a private tenancy
You have rights as a tenant. For example, rights to:
gas safety checks each year
electrical safety checks every 5 years
You can complain if your landlord does not do these things or gives you a bad service.
How the council could help
Most councils have a private rented housing team.
Contact them if you want to complain about serious problems with your landlord.
This team also deals with licensing of private houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Repairs and safety risks
The council should check your home if there is a serious problem that puts your health at risk.
For example:
damp and mould
structural problems
dangerous electrical wiring
Complain to the environmental health team about private rented housing.
Harassment or threats of illegal eviction
The council must try to stop an illegal eviction if it would leave you homeless.
Some councils have a tenancy relations officer or team who can step in if your landlord:
The council can:
explain the law to your landlord
speak to your landlord for you about problems
take steps to make sure your landlord follows HMO licensing rules
The council could prosecute your landlord if they keep breaking the law.
How to complain directly to your landlord
Put things in writing. Use an email or a letter to set out:
what your complaint is
what you want your landlord to do
when you want your landlord to respond
Some landlords have a complaints process.
Letter template: Complain to a private landlord
You can copy our template into a message or email to help you start your complaint letter.
[Use the subject: Complaint about my tenancy]
I am writing about my tenancy at [your address].
[Give a short description of the problem]
I need you to [say what you want the landlord to do to solve the problem].
I look forward to hearing from you by [date].
Please contact me on [phone number or email].
You can also send the letter as an email attachment or by post:
Word template: Complain to your landlord (docx 25kb)
Complain to a letting agent
You can complain to a letting agent if they manage your home for your landlord.
Complain to a redress scheme if the letting agent does not reply or you are not happy with what they say.
Worried about eviction if you complain?
The Renters' Rights Act will end section 21 'no fault' evictions for private tenants.
For now, you could still be evicted with a valid section 21 notice.
But reasonable landlords will respond to a complaint and try to put things right.
Last updated: 29 October 2025
