Complaints about private landlords
You have certain rights as a tenant. For example:
You may want to complain if your landlord is not carrying out their legal responsibilities, or if you receive a bad service or poor treatment.
How the council could help
Most councils have a private rented housing team.
Contact this team 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's environmental health department should come and inspect if there appears to be a serious problem that could put your health at risk.
For example:
damp and mould
structural problems
dangerous electrical wiring
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
mediate around other tenancy issues
take steps to enforce HMO licensing rules
The council could prosecute your landlord if they continue to break the law.
How to complain direct to your landlord
Put things in writing. Use an email or a letter to set out:
what your complaint is
how the problem can be put right
Some landlords have a complaints procedure. Use it if they have one.
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.
Worried about eviction if you complain?
Some private landlords take steps to evict tenants who complain.
This won't always happen. Reasonable landlords will respond to a complaint and try to put things right.
Last updated: 16 May 2022