How to File an Official Complaint About Housing Disrepair

If your landlord is ignoring serious repair issues in your home, filing an official complaint might be the push they need to take action. Whether you're dealing with mould, damp, broken heating, or structural problems, making a formal complaint helps establish a paper trail — and it can be vital if your living conditions start affecting your health or your housing benefit eligibility.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a housing disrepair complaint the right way.

Step 1: Report the Problem Directly to Your Landlord

Before making an official complaint to external authorities, you must first give your landlord a reasonable chance to fix the issue. This should be done in writing — via email, letter, or text — and include:

• A description of the problem

• When it started

• Any evidence (photos/videos)

• A request for urgent action

This not only helps you stay legally protected but also shows that you've followed the correct process if things escalate later.

Step 2: Give Them Time to Respond

Landlords typically have:

• 24–72 hours for emergency repairs (e.g. no heat or power)

• Up to 14 days for general issues

If they don’t respond or the repair isn’t made in a reasonable time, you can move forward with a complaint.

Step 3: File a Complaint with the Council

If you're a tenant in social housing or renting from a housing association, you can contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department. They can:

• Inspect your property

• Issue an Improvement Notice to your landlord

• Declare the property unfit to live in (which can affect your housing benefit eligibility)

The council has the authority to pressure your landlord legally if they continue to ignore repair obligations.

Step 4: Involve the Housing Ombudsman (for Social Tenants)

If you're a council or housing association tenant and the landlord still refuses to act, you can escalate the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman. They review whether the landlord has failed in their duty and can award compensation or force repairs.

Step 5: Get Help from Legal Experts

Filing complaints can be time-consuming, especially when your home is actively affecting your well-being. That’s where Housing Repair Solutions can help. Their team specialises in handling disrepair complaints for tenants in council or housing association properties.

They’ll guide you through the process, communicate with your landlord, and even help file legal claims — all with the goal of making your home safe and habitable again, without the fear of retaliation or eviction.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for things to get worse. If your landlord is ignoring you, filing an official complaint is your legal right — and sometimes the only way to get real action. Protect your health, your tenancy, and your housing benefit eligibility by speaking up and using the right channels.