Report private housing and tenancy issues

As a tenant, you have the right to live peacefully in a home that is safe and in a good state of repair. We can help if your landlord is refusing to do repairs or if you are suffering from illegal eviction, harassment, or other rental or tenancy-related issues. You may also be able to take your own civil action.

Disrepair and maintenance issues

When something goes wrong, the first person you should contact is the landlord or agent responsible for maintenance. If they do not fix the issues, follow these steps before contacting us. Then, if we serve certain notices, you will be protected from retaliatory eviction. Keep copies of all correspondence along with any evidence eg photographs, and don't withhold rent, otherwise your landlord could have lawful grounds to evict you.

1. Write to your landlord explaining the problem. You can tell your landlord or letting agent about the repair problem in person, by phone or text, but you should also write to them or email them to confirm the details.
2. Give your landlord 14 days to respond and arrange repairs.
3. If nothing is done, contact your landlord again. Check they have received your original repair request, suggest times and dates to do work, and remind them of their responsibility to do repairs.
4. If you haven't heard back, send a final letter or email to your landlord giving them 48 hours to respond. There are sample letters on the Shelter website.
5. If you are still dissatisfied with your landlord's progress or response then contact our Housing Standards team. We will arrange an inspection and may take enforcement action.

Report disrepair issues in your rented home

Tenancy issues

Contact our tenancy relations officers if you are a private tenant experiencing or being threatened with harassment, unlawful eviction, or have concerns about your rights as a renter.

Report tenancy issues

Problems with HMOs

Tenants and neighbours of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) can report overcrowded, unlicensed, and poorly managed HMOs.

Report HMO problems

Emergencies

If you are in immediate danger, e.g. fire or flood, call 999 and ask for the fire service.

If you have a serious risk e.g. exposed electrics and your landlord does not act promptly, contact us for advice.

Report gas leaks immediately. Call the Gas emergency number 0800 111 999

Social tenancies

If you have a social tenancy with a Housing Association or Residential Social Landlord, we will expect you to have followed your Housing Association/Social Landlord's complaint procedure and have been unhappy with their response, before contacting the council.

If you are unhappy with your Housing Association's response you can also take your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.