I often hear a lot of people who rent a room in the
UK complaining about various problems with their landlords. For instance, if something breaks and is not repaired, or if there are bugs or rats in the house, no one takes responsibility for removing them. In addition to other behaviours, such as breaching a contract, many international students end up suffering from the loss of interest in renting a room in the UK. Shelter is a charity organization that focuses on providing assistance to the homeless. This blog provides information on various methods of lodging complaints against landlords in the UK. It serves as a helpful resource for those who may be facing issues with their landlord. Remember, if you are dealing with an unfair or negligent landlord, it is essential to speak up, assert your rights and protect your interests. So, don’t hesitate to take action.
Complain Directly to the Landlord
If you have a complaint channel, you can use the “direct to landlord” route to make a complaint. Some formal housing agents will have a department and staff dedicated to handling complaints. Therefore, you can call and ask or find the appropriate information on the agent’s website.
If there is no complaints channel, or you don’t know where to go, it is reasonable for tenants to make a written complaint. Write down all the matters you want to complain about and let the landlord investigate and make enquiries. They must reply in writing with the outcome and how it was dealt with. If you are not satisfied with the landlord’s response or the landlord does not respond to your complaint, then you will need to seek
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to make a complaint or go to court. Please note that ADR only deals with complaints in England. If you live in Scotland, see
Shelter Scotland.
Complaints to Local Government Personnel
Regional authorities across the UK have officers who specialise in tenant-landlord relations, called
Tenancy Relations Officers (TROs). Their job is to coordinate tenants when landlords break the law, and you can contact a TRO when your landlord fails a few of the following. For example, they may make you move out without notice, such as changing the locks or threatening to move out. In addition, refuse to repair broken appliances, furniture, or housing in your home.
When the TRO receives your complaint, they will contact the landlord and explain the law to them, and if they still choose to ignore it, the TRO can penalise them accordingly. What’s worse is that the evil landlord could also face a prison sentence. Contact your Council, and they will give you the contact details for the TRO in your area.
Complaints to Environmental Health Departments
As well as the TRO, each Council should have a person specialising in environmental health called an
Environmental Health Officer (EHO). They can help you if there is a threat to the environment in your home. If your home is structurally dangerous and has not been repaired in years, you can complain to the EHO. You can also complain to the EHO if you have a damp leak or a leaking roof.
When a complaint is received, the EHO will visit your home to check the situation. If it is true that the housing environment has been affected, they will talk to your landlord and get the problem fixed. If the landlord ignores it, they will issue a formal order for the landlord to get the problem fixed. Again, people can contact the EHO’s contact details through your borough council. Alternatively, use Shelter and enter your postcode to find out.
Conclusion
I hope you know how to defend your rights when you have problems with your landlord in the UK. Be sure to use formal channels to make complaints so that our life in the UK is less unpleasant. It’s not easy for everyone to go out, so you can’t just be bullied. But before you complain, make sure you read every clause on your rental contract carefully. If it’s a formal contract, it’s bound to contain matters on what to do if something breaks. If you encounter any other problems, you should also remember to defend your legal rights through formal channels!
FAQ
What are the initial steps I should take to complain about my landlord in the UK?
It’s essential to start by documenting all incidents, including dates, times, and details. This will serve as evidence for your claim. Then, have a calm and transparent conversation with your landlord about your concerns. If this doesn’t yield results, you can escalate your complaint.
Who can I turn to if my landlord isn’t addressing my concerns?
If you need help speaking directly to your landlord, you can contact your local council or housing ombudsperson in the UK. They can provide advice and potentially intervene on your behalf.
What should I do if I fear retaliation from my landlord for complaining?
It’s illegal for landlords to harass or retaliate against tenants who raise legitimate complaints. If you feel threatened, seek legal advice immediately. You can also report such behaviour to your local council or the police if necessary.
